Sources: Man United leapfrog Chelsea in Hakimi battle
Man United are better positioned than Chelsea to sign Achraf Hakimi this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Both Premier League outfits are prepared to move for the 24-year-old defender at the end of the season after Paris Saint-Germain made it clear that they are open to offers for the Morocco international.
The French side have grown frustrated at their lack of European success and are considering a major rebuild this summer.
Football Insider sources revealed on Friday (28 April) that Chelsea are considering a move for long-term target Hakimi this summer.
But the Red Devils have leapfrogged the London club in the race to sign Hakimi, with the Blues struggling to put together a financial package to sign the PSG star.
Chelsea have spent over £600million across the last two transfer windows under new owner Todd Boehly, and Financial Fair Play is set to significantly limit their spending this summer unless they are able to sell a number of players themselves.
In contrast, United have prepared a summer budget and are willing to meet PSG’s £50-60million asking price in their pursuit of a new right-back this summer.
It is understood that Hakimi is open to a Premier League move if forced out of Paris this summer, and that he would prefer a move to a club competing in the Champions League.
United are on track to finish in the top four of the Premier League this season, while Chelsea’s underwhelming 2022/23 campaign has left them in the bottom half of the standings with no European qualification on the horizon.
Erik ten Hag’s side are now considered the frontrunners to secure Hakimi’s signature this summer, although they face competition for him from other clubs around Europe.
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