Arsenal rival Chelsea for shock Achraf Hakimi summer transfer

Arsenal are in the race to sign Achraf Hakimi from Inter Milan in the summer transfer window, but will face competition from Chelsea for the versatile defender.

The Gunners are setting their sights on the summer transfer window, as they have been doing since the moment Mikel Arteta set through the door, as they seek to take the steps felt necessary to re-imagine the look of the squad.

There are short, medium and long-term goals set in place with a view on a major rebuild job, one that is already in motion. Numerous exits, by hook or by crook, were sanctioned in the winter window while work was done on strengthening the spine of the side in the previous summer, but the list is still extensive. The like that won’t be resolved even in the upcoming transfer period.

Quick maths coughs up a figure of 14 potential departees at the end of the season, a colossal figure that is even more daunting when factoring in the lack of finance and difficulties of the transfer market. Oh, and that these players will need replacing even if Arsenal don’t have European football to entice targets with. Unenviable, to say the least.

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Arsenal join Chelsea in eyeing summer transfer for Inter Milan’s Achraf Hakimi

But above all, it’s scope for excitement. There are no supporters under any illusions that this overhaul has been sorely needed for well beyond just this season. The quality of the squad must improve.

Which could come in the form of a right-back. And not just any right-back, one of the best in Europe for the past few seasons.

Hector Bellerin’s Arsenal ship is on the verge of leaving the dock and setting sail, drawing the curtain on a ten-year affiliation with the club. His performances have dipped in north London and with just over two years left on his deal the time is right for all parties.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles doesn’t fancy playing at right-back and Arteta has little intention of moving him into central midfield, thus a replacement for the Spaniard, should he depart as expected, is high on the list of priorities.

Can Arsenal really be in the mix for Achraf Hakimi, or are they entering a race they can’t win?