Chelsea are believed to have again increased their bid for Inter-wing back Achraf Hakimi and offered the Spaniard Marcos Alonso in exchange.
The Blues have been chasing Hakimi for a few weeks now and initially gave Inter the chance to sign Emerson Palmieri as part of the deal, but Inter made it clear that they prefer Alonso instead.
It has not fallen on deaf ears at Stamford Bridge as La Repubblica says Chelsea have put Alonso’s name on the table along with a cool £ 51m – higher than their previous bid of almost £ 40m.
Inter are believed to prefer a cash bid and are hopeful that one side will meet their asking price, which is closer to £ 70 million, but such a bid has not yet arrived.
From an economic perspective, Paris Saint-Germain has come closest. Their latest bid is believed to be £ 55 million in straight cash, which is obviously higher than Chelsea, but the Blues hope that the introduction of a long-term goal for the Nerazzurri will give them the edge.
Chelsea have raised their bid for Hakimi / Nicolò Campo / Getty Images
Sky Sport Italia believe that to be the case, Chelsea say they are “ahead” in the race for Hakimi’s signature because of their willingness to include a player, although Alonso is only mentioned as an option here rather than as part of a concrete bid.
Inter are already preparing for Hakimi’s departure. Barcelona right-back Emerson is on his radar, and this latest report adds that PSV Eindhoven Denzel Dumfries, who impressed in the Netherlands’ Euro 2020 opener against Ukraine, is also being considered.
Hakimi’s agent set fire to a potential departure recently by telling ¿Cómo te va? that the right-back is the most likely candidate to be sold this summer to raise money at the San Siro.
“The only one who will leave Inter at the moment is Hakimi,” said Alejandro Camano. “He walks.”
Thomas Tuchel is keen to land Hakimi / Visionhaus / Getty Images
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel sees Hakimi as a big rival for Reece James at right-back and can even play both players in the same team, with the Englishman expected to see a few minutes in midfield next season.
It has been suggested that James’ emergence as a viable center-back could end Chelsea’s quest for a new midfielder this summer, but that part of Chelsea’s plan remains unclear.
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