Arsenal rival Chelsea for shock Achraf Hakimi summer transfer

Arsenal Could Offer Hector Bellerin in Achraf Hakimi Swap

The whole reason Hakimi is even being mentioned in the same breath as Arsenal is because they’re in need of money. Thus, by that reckoning, a swap deal makes little sense.

If Arsenal were to offer Hector Bellerin in a swap deal in the summer, it wouldn’t be a straight one. Given Hakimi is only 22, was signed for £34m not 12 months ago and is under contract until 2025, he’ll drive a higher fee than the Spaniard would.

The Gunners are said to want £35m for the 25-year-old, a remarkable fee that they’ll be geniuses if they ever got, a makeweight deal could be tantalising for an Inter side who need cash but don’t want to sacrifice too dearly on quality.

Systematically there are some concerns, as Bellerin is usually more comfortable in a back four. That isn’t to say he hasn’t played as a wing-back before, and in fact became quite comfortable in that position during the end of Arsene Wenger’s reign as manager.

Chelsea will hold most of the cards, despite a potential bargaining tool for Arsenal. Furthermore, being in the hunt for Hakimi’s signature will be dependent on securing European football for next season, as someone of his calibre will not be especially keen on dropping out of the Champions League after three straight seasons in the competition.

The Blues are inundated at the top end of the pitch with an embarrassment of riches for Thomas Tuchel to choose from, so it’s not out of the question by any means. And as is the case with Arsenal, if they don’t buy a ticket they will not win the raffle.