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Chelsea fans are not short of reason to be cheerful at present, with the club’s second Champions League triumph still fresh in the memory and a cautious sense of optimism among supporters ahead of next season.
The Blues have, however, been offered no favours by the Premier League’s fixture computer, with Thomas Tuchel’s side due to face Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City within their first six games of the new season.
One positive for the Blues could be the potential new signing of Achraf Hakimi, with outlets in Italy suggesting that the two parties have ‘reached a verbal agreement’.
According to Ekrem Konur, the Inter Milan star has pledged his future to the West Londoners, despite the two clubs having so far failed to reach an agreement.
The Series A side are reportedly demanding £43 million plus Marcos Alonso for the Morocco international.
Alonso was, however, one of the favourites to depart Stamford Bridge this summer, so that caveat is unlikely to cause much of an obstacle.
Chelsea face fierce competition from French giants Paris Saint-Germain, who are also believed to have made an offer for the 22-year-old.
Hakimi scored seven goals and registered 10 assists in Serie A last season
Hakimi is perceived to be a perfect fit for Tuchel’s 5-2-3 formation, with his versatility another appealing attribute.
The Moroccan can play at left or right wing-back, as well as full back and has even been known to play more centrally, in midfield.
A potential move for Hakimi could, however, signal the end at Chelsea for at least one of young duo Calum Hudson-Odoi and Tino Livramento, with the former’s natural position rarely used by Tuchel and the latter’s path to the starting spot at right wing-back already blocked by both Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta.
Livramento has been linked with a move to fellow Premier League side Aston Villa.
Hakimi made 45 appearances for Inter last season under former Blues boss Antonio Conte, and was instrumental in the club’s march to a first Serie A title in a decade.
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