All the very latest on Chelsea's pursuit of Inter Milan right wing-back Achraf Hakimi, as Blues chief Thomas Tuchel looks to secure his signature
After arriving at Chelsea towards the end of the January transfer window, this summer's window represents Thomas Tuchel's first meaningful chance to put his own stamp of authority on the squad he inherited from Frank Lampard.
The Chelsea head coach, fresh from guiding the club to the UEFA Champions League crown last month, wants to add at least three new faces to his squad this summer, with Inter Milan star Achraf Hakimi amongst those on his wish list.
The German wants to sign a new right-sided wing-back, with Hakimi understood to fit the profile of the type of player Tuchel has in mind. The Moroccan is renowned for his ability to bomb forwards from the back and make things happen in the final third.
But although Chelsea are keen on the defender's signature, they face a battle with Paris Saint-Germain to win it.
Here, football.london has taken a close look at all the very latest on the former Real Madrid man's future and everything we know so far.
£68.6m fee
Lodging their first official bid for the wing-back last week, Chelsea announced their interest in Hakimi's services by tabling a £56.1million fee, as reported by Sky Sports.
That opening offer of £56.1m saw Chelsea match PSG's opening bid, which was knocked back by Inter Milan.
However, Chelsea have retained their interest in the former Borussia Dortmund loanee, although they are yet to submit a new offer.
It is claimed that Inter would accept an offer £68.6m to let go of Hakimi.
Hakimi 'wants' France move
Although Chelsea are in a very strong financial position to complete some big-money deals this summer, Hakimi, according to reports in France, would prefer to seal a move to PSG.
His preference is to make a move to France and link up with PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino, in turn snubbing a move to Stamford Bridge.
Like Chelsea, PSG want to sign a new right-sided defender and Hakimi is Pochettino's top target.
Hakimi to leave Inter
Hakimi's agent Alejandro Camano has hinted that the former Real Madrid man will be the next big-name to leave Inter this summer, following the recent exit of former manager Antonio Conte.
Inter are in financial difficulties at this moment in time and do need to cut their cloth in some areas in order to keep their finances in order.
And Camano has now hinted that Hakimi could be the one sacrificed to strengthen the Italian outfit's budget.
"The only one who is going to leave Inter for now is Hakimi who is also representing him," Camano said. "We have to work on the Lautaro issue but there is still no clear situation."
Blues 'ahead' of PSG in battle
According to Sky Italia, Chelsea are in the driving seat to land the Moroccan this summer, insisting they have moved 'ahead' of PSG in the race to sign him.
They say both clubs have made improved offers for the defender, but Chelsea are in a better position.
That is because the Blues are closer to Inter's valuation and could use Emerson Palmieri as part of a deal.
If they don't use the Italian as a bargaining tool, Chelsea may also put Marcos Alonso or Andreas Christensen forward. Me
Ronaldo's verdict
Amid the ongoing speculation concerning Hakimi's future, if Chelsea were to win the race for his signature they would be landing a player very highly thought of by former Brazilian international Ronaldo.
Speaking earlier this year, the former Inter man waxed lyrical about the ex-Borussia Dortmund loanee's talents, admitting he would have liked to have had the chance to play alongside him.
He said: "Achraf Hakimi is an extraordinary player. Real were wrong to let him go like that.
"It is one of Inter’s best deals of the last ten years. Every now and then I think to myself, 'Ronnie, imagine yourself with Hakimi.'
Brazilian legend Ronaldo is a big fan of Achraf Hakimi.
"We would have been at an indecent speed."
Hakimi close to agreeing personal terms with Chelsea
After having several conversations with Hakimi’s representatives, it appears Chelsea are close to agreeing personal terms with the Moroccan.
That is according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.com, via Inside Futbol, who report that the Moroccan is ready to move to England and hopes a deal can be concluded soon.
Chelsea are also believed to be working on a deal with Inter and are prepared to offer players to the recent Serie A winners in a bid to sign the right-wing back.
Blues to put forward fresh offer
According to reports in Italy, Chelsea are set to make a new and improved official bid for Hakimi this week.
As outlined above, the Blues have already lodged an opening offer of £56.1m, falling short of Inter's £68.6m valuation of the Moroccan.
However, Chelsea are now going to propose a swap deal to the Italian side, offering left-back Marcos Alonso as part of the deal.
It is claimed that the Blues will put a cash offer forward, somewhere between €55m and €60m, as well including Alonso in the deal.
PSG are said to be €10m short of Inter's valuation, meaning Chelsea's proposal to include Alonso in the deal could be what gets them over the line.
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