Chelsea and Arsenal target Achraf Hakimi wants Inter stay

Emmet Gates

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal and Chelsea transfer target Achraf Hakimi has poured cold water over a potential move to England, stating he is happy at Inter.

Hakimi has been one of the best performers for the Nerazzurri this season, as they zoom in on their first league title in 11 years.

However, Inter’s current financial struggles, with club owners Suning hit hard by the pandemic, led to suggestions that the club may need to sacrifice Hakimi in order to balance the books.

READ MORE: Could Inter’s Hakimi replace Bellerin at Arsenal?

The right-back would command a hefty price tag, considering that Inter paid €40 million for the Turkey international less than a year ago.

However, Hakimi has seemingly shut down any rumours over a move. “The team that attracted me the most was Inter and I saw it as a growth project,” he told Italian newspaper La Repubblica.

“I am honoured to be one of the testimonials for the new club logo. I like it, as it looks to the future, a future we can build together. 

“I hope to stay at this club for a long time, I’m very happy.”

Hakimi’s Scudetto dream at Inter

Hakimi then turned his attention to Inter’s current title push, as they close in on their first title since the Jose Mourinho era at the club.

“It was a gradual growth process, as many of us were new here, myself included, so we took a while to get to know each other.

“Some things also happened that gave us that extra push. The Champions League elimination allowed us to focus entirely on Serie A and we learned from every defeat what we really wanted to do. 

“We talk about the Scudetto with respect, knowing it’s not won yet. That’s the objective, I won’t lie, but there’s a while to go.”

Hakimi has made 29 appearances in Serie A this season, scoring six goals and providing six assists for Inter.