Chelsea have initial bid for Inter star Achraf Hakimi rejected

Achraf Hakimi starred in Antonio Conte's title winning side 

Chelsea have had a busy start to the week. Following on from their reported interested in Erling Haaland, the European champions have made a bid for Inter star Achraf Hakimi.

Marina Granovskaia got out Roman Abramovich's chequebook on Tuesday morning to match PSG's £56million bid. Clearly Inter were hoping for a bidding war not two of the wealthiest clubs in Europe to just match one another's bids. Both were soundly rejected, with the Serie A champions valuing the defender somewhere north of £70million.

Chelsea were hoping that a player plus cash deal would give them the edge. With both Emerson and Andreas Christensen being offered like sacrificial lambs. Antonio Conte had hoped to bring Emerson to the club while still in charge and they reportedly still retain interest in him despite Don Conte's abrupt departure.

However with crippling debts, it appears that the Nerazzurri are hoping to keep such deals separate and are not feeling the summer of swaps. They would like cash for their own assets before pursuing the players they need in a potential mass restructure.

While Emerson has been persona non grata for some time, it comes as some surprise that Andreas Christensen is viewed as excess goods. While he struggled for form since returning from Borussia Monchengladbach, he more than any player saw his individual performance flourish under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel.

The Danish defender has given some of his best performances ever over the last five months. Until suffering an injury ahead of the FA Cup final he was one of the few ever present stars in Chelsea's impressive defence. 

Achraf Hakimi is largely regarded as one of the best right wing backs in Europe at the moment after playing a key role in helping Antonio Conte's side win their first Scudetto in 11 years.

The Moroccan defender signed from Real Madrid for just €40 million after spending a year on loan at Borussia Dortmund. With his pace and sharp performances he has attracted interest from a number of clubs including PSG and Arsenal.

The 22 year-old's agent, Alejandro Camano, remains adamant that he will remain at the San Siro and has yet to speak to clubs about an exit.

'He is the best player in Europe in his position. That's why there are so many rumours about him,' Camano said. 'Hakimi has four years left in his contract with Inter, and I want to clarify I haven't talked to any other club.' 

Hakimi will NOT be replacing Reece James

The agent made a similar statement to play down his move to Inter last summer just two weeks before making the move. Likely said to keep Real Madrid supporters sweet in case the deal had fallen through at the last moment.

The biggest question in this massive bid is what it means for Reece James. Thomas Tuchel has praised our young star and he continues to grow with the team. There is a chance he will continue to play on the right side of a three man defence rather than be restored to a wide position. Meaning both young defenders could run riot along the right side of Chelsea's defence. Menacing pace and power.