According to reports, Arsenal are keen on signing Achraf Hakimi from Inter Milan this summer, and his arrival could help Arsenal plug two problem positions.
The Moroccan has been shining for Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan side on the right of his patented 3-4-3 formation, often acting as a wing-back in the Italian’s fluid system.
Arsenal have a rather pressing issue on their right-side, with Hector Bellerin reportedly looking to leave and Willian underperforming all season, but if Hakimi joins, he could solve both problems at once.
Indeed, Hakimi is adept as playing as either a right-back or a winger, and he does both to a very high level.
The winger drew praise for his performance against Juventus last month, with Antonio Cassano saying:
“The only player who did something was Achraf Hakimi, who was devastating.”
His record this season speaks for itself, six goals and six assists from right-midfield at Inter, and with Conte’s system forcing him to do a lot of defensive work, we can only imagine that those numbers would improve if he was let loose at Arsenal.
However, the fact that he can do that defensive work implies that he could also be a great replacement for Hector Bellerin if he leaves the club, and with Hakimi being described as ‘incredibly fast’ in the past, he certainly fits the bill, with Arsenal reportedly also looking at Tariq Lamptey as a potential replacement.
‘He’s incredibly fast. From that point of view, he’s always a weapon,’ Marco Reus said about the former Dortmund ace.
Hakimi is quite clearly a special player. After all, you don’t play for Real Madrid, Inter and Borussia Dortmund if you’re not, but his versatility down the right-side makes him the perfect signing for Arsenal as he’d be able to act as either Willian or Bellerin’s replacement, depending on where he’s needed.
The Gunners could kill two birds with one stone if they complete this signing.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
