24 June 2023 , 12:52
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Pep Guardiola is eyeing a sensational swoop for Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi after Manchester City complete a deal for Declan Rice.
Despite completing an historic treble this season, the City boss wants to refresh his squad with a couple of major signings. They are already competing with Premier League rivals Arsenal for the signing of West Ham and England star Rice.
Meanwhile, a couple of first-team stars could be set to bid farewell to the Etihad Stadium. Captain Ilkay Gundogan is on the verge of a free transfer to Barcelona, whilst Bernardo Silva could be sold to a Saudi club.
Kyle Walker has already been linked with a move away. German giants Bayern Munich are aiming to take advantage of the fact he has just one year left on his deal with a move.
Should Guardiola green-light Walker’s exit then it appears that he has a big name in mind to replace him. According to Spanish outlet Marca, the City boss has made a direct request to his bosses to move for Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi.
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It is not the first time that Guardiola has expressed his interest in the Moroccan having also been keen following a successful loan spell with Borussia Dortmund. The report claims City would be happy to break the bank for Hakimi after his starring performances in the French capital over the past few seasons.
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The 24-year-old has won back-to-back Ligue 1 crowns and made a further 39 appearances in all competitions. While he may be tempted by a move to the Etihad Stadium, his contract could scupper a move.
Hakimi has three years remaining on his current PSG deal and his agent Alejandro Camaño insists his client remains happy in France. Speaking to AS, he said: “Paris is 100% on his mind, it's our project.
“[Luis] Campos [PSG sporting director] has all my respect and all my confidence for the future. I think he will turn things around, from there we will see what the future holds for Achraf.”
The latest talk over Hakimi’s future is not the first time he has been linked with a move to the Premier League. Chelsea were interested two years ago, only to be beaten by PSG.
Explaining why he snubbed a switch to Stamford Bridge, he said: “I had two offers, one from Chelsea and one from Paris Saint-Germain. But I felt I had to come to Paris, that I would have been happy there.
"PSG is a great club, I really appreciate the support the fans gave me straight away. I was lucky because so many other champions joined me. I feel good at PSG, we have a dream team and I’m happy to be a part of it."