Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s hopes of landing Achraf Hakimi appear to be over, with Mauricio Pochettino’s Paris Saint-Germain reportedly set to sign him.
Arsenal rumour
The Telegraph reported in March interest from Arsenal and Chelsea in Inter Milan right-back Hakimi.
AS subsequently claimed in April that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants to sign the 22-year-old as a potential replacement for Hector Bellerin.
PSG transfer imminent?
However, it seems that Arsenal will miss out on the Morocco international right-back.
That’s because ESPN are reporting that Hakimi is on his way to French giants PSG.
It has been reported that the Ligue 1 outfit will pay Inter €70 million (£59.83 million) in transfer fees, including bonuses.
That will make the 22-year-old – described as “extraordinary” by Brazil and Inter legend Ronaldo in La Gazzetta dello Sport in January 2021 – the most expensive full-back in football history, according to the report.
The announcement will be made next week.
Arsenal transfer was always unlikely
Hakimi helped Inter win the Serie A title last season.
The youngster scored seven goals and gave eight assists in 29 Serie A starts last season.
Under then Inter head coach Antonio Conte, the Moroccan was played as a wing-back, and his goal contribution shows how lethal he can be.
The Nerazzurri will play in the Champions League next season, and it was always going to be hard for Arsenal to convince the 22-year-old to move to the Emirates Stadium.
Remember, Arsenal will not even play in the Europa League next season and are not going to challenge for the Premier League title.
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