Arsenal have reportedly suffered a big blow in the race to sign Inter Milan’ Moroccan wing-back Achraf Hakimi in this upcoming summer transfer window. They are interested in signing a fullback after Hector Bellerin expressed his desire to leave the Gunners at the end of this season.
In search of a new right-back, Mikel Arteta chose the former Real Madrid wing-back as their number one target. However, Hakimi said in public that he is looking to stay at San Siro.
Hakimi joined Nerazzurri last September from La Liga giants Real Madrid for €40 million on a five-year contract. This season he made 29 appearances in Serie A and managed to score six goals and five assists in his debut season.
Hakimi wants to stay in Inter amid the Arsenal rumors
Hakimi joined Real Madrid’s youth setup in 2006 from CD Colonia Ofigevi when he was eight. After progressing through La Fábrica, Hakimi was promoted to the reserves in June 2016. Shortly after, he was included in the first team’s pre-season camp in the United States.
He made his first-team debut on 1 October, starting in a 2–0 home win over RCD Espanyol. The young right-back scored his first La Liga goal on 9 December 2017 in a 5–0 win against Sevilla.
However, Hakimi signed a two-year loan deal with Dortmund in July 2018. During his time in Germany, he made 73 appearances for BVB and managed to score 12 goals in the process. Then in 2020, he joined Inter.
“The team that attracted me the most was Inter and I saw it as a growth project. I am honored to be one of the testimonials for the new club logo, I like it, as it looks to the future, a future we can build together. I hope to stay at this club for a long time, I’m very happy.” – Hakimi put Arsenal links to bed.
Arsenal will have to sign a right-back in the summer and few names are on the shortlist. However, Arsenal’ top target, is not going to be Gunner next season.
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