The Blues have taken the lead ahead of Paris Saint-Germain in the race to land the big-money signature of Inter Milan full-back Achraf Hakimi, according to reports from Gazetta dello Sport.
Hakimi had been a major target for PSG in the run-up to the new season with the Parisians wanting to bolster their defensive line following them ceding the Ligue 1 crown to the new champions Lille.
However, Chelsea’s interest in signing the former Real Madrid man came as a surprise to many considering Thomas Tuchel already has Reece James as his firmly established regular in the wing-back role out on the right flank.
It is understood that James, who had enjoyed a brilliant campaign for the west Londoners last time around and is a key figure in the England side for the upcoming UEFA Euros, might be slotted in at centre-back when club football resumes in August.
Should James have his position changed in the Chelsea backline it will allow Tuchel to make a thrifty purchase in the transfer market of the 22-year-old Moroccan Hakimi who will come as a significant addition to the camp of the newly crowned Champions of Europe.
