Manchester City will consider making a bid for Paris Saint-Germain fullback Achraf Hakimi if they lose Kyle Walker this summer, according to ESPN reporter James Olley.
The journalist claims the treble winners are big fans of the Moroccan international and he would be the club’s number one priority to strengthen the club’s options at right-back:
“He’s a player they like. I think there are a few hurdles to overcome in terms of getting a deal over the line but Manchester City will need to bring in another full-back if Walker leaves and he’s very much top of their list.”
Hakimi was signed by PSG for a fee that could reach €71m (£61.5m) in the summer of 2021, and you can imagine that the Ligue One champions would be extremely reluctant to let him go.
The 24-year-old is, however, an excellent candidate to replace Walker. He is attack-minded, having scored five times and provided six assists in 39 appearances last season.
Are City considering alternatives to Hakimi?
If the Moroccan can’t be lured to the Etihad Stadium, it is believed that Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard would be another candidate.
The France international has less than a year left on his contract, and he will be allowed to leave the Allianz Arena if a team offers around €30m (£26m).
A swap deal involving Walker could be considered
It has been reported that the England international has already verbally agreed a move to Bayern, so that may open the door for an exchange involving the 32-year-old and Pavard.
Alternatively, the two transfers could be done separately, with Walker valued at around half the price of his French counterpart, but a double deal could still be negotiated nonetheless.
As for Hakimi, much will depend on whether PSG are prepared to negotiate. Otherwise, it could prove to be a dead-end for Pep Guardiola’s side.
