According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Arsenal have held a long-standing interest in Achraf Hakimi – and he could leave Inter Milan this summer.
It’s claimed that Arsenal tracked Hakimi ‘heavily’ in his youth days at Real Madrid, with scouts recommending a deal for the Moroccan.
Hakimi is thought to have been near the top of Arsenal’s wish list until he began starring on loan at Borussia Dortmund, where his market value sky-rocketed.
Arsenal allegedly considered signing Hakimi as recently as last summer, but they just couldn’t afford the price plan that Real had in mind, meaning Edu and Mikel Arteta moved on.
The Gunners also wanted to stick with Hector Bellerin, but Arsenal could now have another chance to sign Hakimi, with Inter struggling financially.
They could sell for around £40million this summer, with Hakimi looking for his £75,000-a-week wages to at least be matched.
Could Arsenal come back in? Well, Bellerin’s future isn’t guaranteed, and he has been linked with moves away from the club in recent times.
Arsenal aren’t really in a position to splash £40million on a new right back unless Bellerin goes, but keep an eye on his situation given Arsenal’s long-standing interest in luring him to North London.
The 22-year-old has racked up six goals and five assists this season, thriving as a wing back under Antonio Conte, with his record no doubt appealing to Premier League clubs.
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