Transfer News: Chelsea eye African defender amidst Reece James uncertainty

Transfer News: Chelsea interested in signing Achraf Hakimi for added coverage

According to transfer news on the Sun, Chelsea have emerged as a possible destination for PSG full-back Achraf Hakimi. 

Chelsea have found themselves in hot waters as most of their crucial defenders have either chosen to move away or are assessing the possibility of leaving the club in the summer. Antonio Rudiger is already out and whether Thomas Tuchel would retain Andreas Christensen, César Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso for next season’s action is a big question. 

Even though Chelsea are trying to bind Reece James to a new contract, it is believed that wealthy clubs including Real Madrid and Manchester City have entered the race to sign him. This has created extra pressure on the Blues who could now be targeting several reinforcements in the summer window. 

Now, it is believed that Chelsea are interested in a surprise transfer move for Hakimi. The Moroccan star might be able to give the much-needed coverage on the right flank in case Azpilicueta leaves.    

Hakimi has proven to be a sensational player at PSG in the recent campaign. Having won the Scudetto in the previous season, the Moroccan star brought the required experience, which helped him to adapt to his new team very fast. He bagged 4 goals and 6 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions for PSG. 

How can Hakimi help Chelsea?

Hakimi is a product of Real Madrid Castilla where he had the chance to learn from some of the best players in the world. Known for his pace and his runs down the flank to help his attackers, the former Borussia Dortmund star is one of the best in his position.  

Hakimi flourished under Thomas Tuchel during his loan spell at Dortmund. Due to the coordination between the Moroccan star’s skills and the German manager’s tactics, the partnership worked wonders and brought some crucial results for the German giants.

The Moroccan full-back’s awe-inspiring spell at Inter Milan could be the highlight of his career till now. He was solid in defence and was pacey in attacking transitions which made him a crucial solution for Conte’s tactics. 

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Chelsea would be able to enjoy all the advantages if they sign Hakimi in the following summer transfer window. Considering he is only 23 years old, he has a lot of time to develop but given his status at a European giant like Paris Saint-Germain, it is surely unlikely that he accepts a role as James’ backup.

Surely this move will make way more sense in case James leaves in the near future. It remains to be seen, however, if the Blues register a genuine offer with PSG for the Moroccan star.