Achraf Hakimi won the 2019 African Youth Player award (Getty Images)
According to The Mirror, Chelsea are eyeing a transfer move for Real Madrid youngster Achraf Hakimi, who currently plies his trade with Borussia Dortmund on loan.
Hakimi, 21, came through the ranks of Real Madrid’s youth system and burst onto the scene in the 2017/18 season, where he made his debut with the senior team. He was a part of the squad that won the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Spanish Super Cup that season.
However, he moved on loan to Borussia Dortmund due to limited game time and has been in Germany for the past two seasons. The Moroccan is one of the most exciting youngsters in Europe and has been one of the standout performers in the Bundesliga.
The youngster instantly hit the ground running after his arrival in Germany in the summer of 2018. In 25 league games this term, Hakimi has scored 3 goals and provided 10 assists and has also notched up 4 goals in 8 Champions League games. With the youngster performing at a higher level, Chelsea should make a move for him in the summer.
The Blues have done a decent job so far in Frank Lampard’s first season at Stamford Bridge. After being banned from signing anyone last summer, the manager once again failed to bring reinforcements in January. However, He has acquired the services of another Moroccan international, Hakim Ziyech, who is set to join the Blues in the summer.
The manager should now turn his attention to strengthening the backline. At right-back, Reece James has taken over from captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who is preferred ahead of Marcos Alonso and Emerson at left-back. Therefore, with limited full-back options, Lampard going into the summer transfer window for Hakim would be a good move.
The 21-year-old has gone from strength to strength in the past year. His qualities have been improving, which is evident from his two seasons in Germany. He contributed with 7 assists and 3 goals last campaign but has already surpassed that tally this term.
A right-back by trade, Hakimi is also capable of operating from left-back and has been deployed in the midfield too on several occasions. The Moroccan has been brilliant for Dortmund at both ends of the pitch. His contribution in terms of goals clearly shows Chelsea can trust him to get a goal or an assist from right-back.
At 21, he already has a handful of international and Champions League experience, which would definitely help him in his progress. He could provide the Blues with the much-needed depth and quality in the squad.
Therefore, Chelsea should look to lure Hakimi to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
