The emergence of a unique opportunity has Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta seriously looking into Inter Milan and Morocco International Achraf Hakimi as a summer transfer target. The 22-year old right wingback, who played for Real Madrid and Dortmund before joining the Nerazzurri, may now be available for a move just one year after joining Antonio Conte at Inter despite impressing throughout the season – scoring six and assisting six in only 30 appearances.
These reports surfaced after Inter’s owners, Suning Holdings Limited, announced they would be looking to scale back their financial involvement in the club – meaning Inter would lose the significant investment they have provided. Without this money, the Milanese club may be looking to sell off a number of their most valuable players to keep their finances afloat. Amongst those rumoured to be on the ‘sale’ list is Arsenal target Achraf Hakimi.
This news has attracted other eyes, Chelsea’s included, but Arsenal seem his most likely target as bringing him in at Chelsea would likely hinder Reece James’ impressive development. The Moroccan international would present another addition to the new generation of talent Arsenal are bringing in, adding to the ranks of Tierney, Odegaard, Partey, and Pepé.
Hakimi’s current transfer value is estimated to be in the area of £45 million. However, the Gunners could look to haggle for a lower fee if Inter are forced into selling their players. But even this price would be worthwhile, as Hakimi’s raw talent, pace, and exceptional work-rate has already seen him shine in three of Europe’s big leagues. There is no doubt that he would continue his upward trajectory in the Premier League.
Were he to come in, he would fit perfectly into Mikel Arteta’s system. Arteta has been pushing his full-backs up high regardless of whether he plays with two or three centre-backs, which has massively benefited Scotland left-back Kieran Tierney – although the same success cannot be seen in right-back Hector Bellerín. Hakimi might be utilised as an outright replacement for the inconsistent Bellerín or as competition in a position that Arteta currently has only one serious option.
As such a perfect fit, and with such a tantalising opportunity, it would not be surprising if Arsenal were already preparing a strategy to acquire the wingback in the summer – if not earlier. Hakimi is certainly one player that Arteta will not want to miss out on.
