Chelsea favourites to sign €80m-rated defender

Chelsea are reportedly the front-runners to sign Inter Milan defender Achraf Hakimi during this summer's transfer window.

Paris Saint-Germain recently made a €65m bid for the Morocco international, which was matched by the Blues.

Both offers fell short of the €80m asking price, but the Blues are reportedly considered favourites to sign Hakimi.

According to Football Insider, the club have agreed terms with the player, and are confident of landing his services.

Inter are interested in several Blues players. The west London club could negotiate a part-exchange deal for Hakimi.

Since the Nerazzurri need the money for Hakimi to balance their books, the Blues are also open to discussing separate deals.

Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta have been the regular choices at right wing-back, but the latter could be phased out.

Hakimi, who bagged seven goals and 11 assists for Inter last season, would be expected to command a starting role.

James impressed in the back three towards the end of the campaign, and his long-term future could lie in the position.