Inter Milan have identified Hector Bellerin as a replacement for Achraf Hakimi and want to seal an initial loan deal, according to reports.
Hakimi is set to join Paris Saint-Germain after the French giants made a reported improved offer of £60million in their bid to beat Chelsea to his signature – money which would raise vital funds for cash-strapped Inter.
And according to Sky Sport Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Inter have begun their search for Hakimi’s replacement and want to secure a deal for Arsenal right back Bellerin.
Discussions have taken place between Inter, who claimed their first Serie A crown since 2010 last season, and the Arsenal player’s entourage.
The Gunners value Bellerin at £17million, but Inter are reportedly looking to complete a deal on an initial loan move with an option to buy.
But Arsenal are likely to want to complete a sale to raise funds for transfer targets of their own this summer.
Serie A champions Inter are also considering Chelsea’s Davide Zappacosta as an alternative, with the Italian fresh off a loan stint at Genoa.
Bellerin looks likely to leave north London despite having two years remaining on his contract.
The Spaniard has spent 10 years in north London, having joined Arsenal’s academy from his beloved club Barcelona in 2011.
Bellerin would go onto establish himself as a regular in the senior side after making his full first-team debut in 2014 against Borussia Dortmund away in the Champions League.
The Spaniard has enjoyed a successful time at the Emirates since, making 239 appearances overall for the club – winning three FA Cups.
Meanwhile, Hakimi is PSG-bound after the French side tabled a £60m bid that includes add-ons.
Hakimi played a starring role as Inter sealed Serie A glory by 12 points ahead of rivals AC Milan.
Hakimi played 45 times in all competitions last season under former boss Antonio Conte, scoring seven goals and creating 11 assists as he provided a huge attacking threat for Inter down the flanks.
The 22-year-old right back can play on the left side of defence too, as well as a winger, and would provide PSG with extra quality in their bid for Champions League glory.
COMMENTS