Our view: PSG’s new reported transfer target could help Chelsea in pursuit of 22-year-old

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Paris Saint-Germain might be handing Chelsea a massive advantage in the transfer saga that revolves around Achraf Hakimi.

Both clubs have locked horns in the fight to sign Inter Milan’s title-winning full-back, with neither yet to break through the financial block in their way.

Inter are apparently asking for €80m (£68m) up front, having already batted away Chelsea’s initial offer of €60m (£51.6m).

Sky Sports Italia stated that PSG had also approached the Serie A champions, but their proposal fell even shorter than the Blues’ attempt.

It now seems the French giants are beginning to move away from Hakimi and are look for alternatives at right-back. One of those being Atletico Madrid’s Kieran Trippier, who France Football (via Mundo Deportivo) report is being monitored by the Parisians.

Mauricio Pochettino seemingly wants a reunion with the defender, after the pair spent several seasons at Tottenham Hotspur together.

PSG pulling out of Hakimi deal?

Of course, if PSG do instead turn to Trippier, then Chelsea’s route to Hakimi looks a lot clearer.

This isn’t to say it will suddenly be a dead cert he switches to Stamford Bridge, but the chances improve dramatically.

Not many can defeat PSG in a financial tug of war.

Even with Roman Abramovich’s deep treasure chest, the cash battle wouldn’t be a pretty one.

But with Pochettino’s side potentially out of the picture, the Blues can fish for Hakimi unchallenged.

Is Hakimi worth the hassle?

However, the hurdle of collecting the required money still remains.

Despite his excellent CV, £68m is a hefty fee for the 22-year-old and it would make him Chelsea’s third most expensive arrival of all time.

Exchanging some of Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea squad sounds sensible if it can lower the fee somewhat.

Although, it doesn’t appear that Inter are going to budge at this moment in time.

How long that lasts is another story, especially as they could do with an injection of finances ahead of next season.

If Chelsea can get the Hakimi deal over the line soon, then it feels like a worthwhile project.

Letting it drag out though would be a waste of energy and resources.

Tuchel still wants a new centre-forward and centre-back, so why not chase these positions instead?

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