Chelsea have overtaken Paris Saint-Germain as favourites for the signature of Inter wing-back Achraf Hakimi but there is still an ongoing race between the two clubs, according to Italian media.
Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport claim that the London-based club are stepping up their pursuit of the Moroccan, and are expected to improve their offer to persuade Inter to sell the player.
The Blues have offered players such as Emerson Palmieri and Davide Zappacosta as part of a player-plus-cash exchange for Hakimi although the Gazzetta claim that there is less substance to the links with Andreas Christensen as part of any deal.
Inter are still said to prefer a cash-only offer, and would ask for Palmieri as part of a separate deal.
Accordingly, Chelsea are expected to submit an offer which they hope is closer to Inter’s valuation of the player in the coming days.
PSG have not dropped out of the race, although they have begun to explore alternative signings if they cannot sign Hakimi including Inter-linked Barcelona right-back Emerson Royal.
Offers from both clubs could still arrive which would be closer to Inter’s demands.
