Chelsea are reportedly closely monitoring the situation of PSG defender Achraf Hakimi, with Thomas Tuchel keen on his services.
According to a report from The Athletic, Achraf Hakimi could be staring at an uncertain future at PSG following a disappointing debut campaign in the French capital. It has put Chelsea on alert, with the Premier League giants considering a move for the 23-year-old right-back in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Chelsea were in the market for Hakimi last summer when he was still at Inter Milan. But the move did not materialise, as the defender ended up opting for a switch to Ligue 1 by joining PSG in order to pair up with attacking superstars such as Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar, along with former Real Madrid teammate Sergio Ramos.
One year later, the move has not quite panned out as expected. Despite recording four goals and six assists, the 23-year-old right-back has failed to live up to the expectations, often struggling to make the desired impact on the right flank, especially in crucial matches.
Although the mood in the PSG camp has improved drastically since Mbappe’s decision to snub Real Madrid, Hakimi is one of many players who could look for a way out of the Ligue 1 club at the end of the season. And it appears Chelsea are more than willing to provide him an exit route, and a platform to showcase his talents in the Premier League.
Chelsea’s interest in the Moroccan international primarily stems from the uncertainties surrounding the futures of Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta. The latter has been intensely linked with a move to FC Barcelona, and his exit could leave James as the only recognised option at right wing-back.
Tuchel is looking to rectify the issue by bringing in Hakimi from PSG. The former Dortmund starlet has had to deal with fair share of criticism due to his underwhelming performances in Paris, but it is worth noting that Mauricio Pochettino primarily deserves the blame for playing him in a traditional right-back spot.
Hakimi could prove to be far more successful in operating in his preferred right wing-back role in Chelsea’s back five. The addition of the Moroccan international could help Tuchel employ James in a central defensive role. Alternatively, the Englishman could operate at left-back, thus increasing the overall flexibility of the Chelsea backline.