According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel remains a big fan of Paris Saint-Germain right-back and Morocco international, Achraf Hakimi.
Tuchel has cancelled his summer holiday plans, with a seemingly busy transfer window in store for Chelsea. Last summer, the Blues expressed a concrete interest in the then-Inter Milan right-back. According to Sky Sports, Chelsea matched the PSG bid for the Morocco full-back at the time.
Happy to celebrate my 50 matches with @equipedumaroc with this win 🙏🏽🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/YLnHSe3C4y
— Achraf Hakimi (@AchrafHakimi) June 10, 2022
Morocco International Linked With Chelsea
The Blues Are Not Planning On Signing A Right-back This Summer
With Chelsea losing Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid and the seemingly likely departure of Andreas Christensen – it seems central defence will be the first area of the team needing strengthing. According to Fabrizio Romano, in his latest CaughtOffside column, right-back is not an immediate area of focus for Chelsea – which makes Hakimi to Chelsea unlikely at this time.
Chelsea Transfer Priorities Over Hakimi
However, Jules Kounde is more of a priority for Chelsea, according to Fabrizio Romano, with the departure of Rudiger already confirmed. The Kounde to Chelsea link seems to be getting stronger.
Read also: French Defender A ‘Priority’ for Chelsea
As reported by The Athletic, Chelsea are looking at gazumping Arsenal in the Chase for wantaway Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus. Both of these needs are seemingly a higher priority for the Kings Road club ahead of strength in depth at right-back.
Cover at Right-Back
There is no doubting how highly everyone at Chelsea rates Reece James. However, there is a concern over his recent injury woes – where last season, Chelsea lacked strength in depth in that area. When James is fit, it is clear he is the first choice in that area, and the performances of Callum Hudson-Odoi at wing-back have been unconvincing. Could we see the introduction of Dujon Sterling to the Chelsea first-team squad after his impressive spell on loan at Blackpool? After the emergence of Trevoh Chalobah last season, a lot of youngsters must have felt encouraged watching his breakout season.
The Future for Hakimi
The possible departure of his manager Mauricio Pochettino could change the situation for Hakimi. He was a vital component of the tight defence at PSG. Fabrizio Romano confirmed to CaughtOffside: “So far, Paris Saint-Germain have assured that they have not received any proposals.”
A change of manager could change the situation, and despite right-back not being a priority area for Chelsea to improve – the fact Tuchel is openly a fan of Hakimi and the uncertainty with the managerial situation at PSG – we could see this saga revitalised this summer.
