Chelsea 'make opening player-plus-cash bid for Achraf Hakimi'

Chelsea have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Achraf Hakimi by offering Emerson Palmieri as part of a player-plus-cash deal for the Inter Milan wing-back.

The European champions are believed to have made signing the Morocco international one of their top priorities for the summer window, along with another striker.

Inter are ready to cash in on Hakimi due to financial difficulties, but Chelsea face stern competition from Paris Saint-Germain for the 22-year-old.

However, according to La Repubblica, Chelsea are prepared to match PSG's bid and also offer fellow defender Palmieri in exchange.

Palmieri has struggled for appearances in his four seasons at Stamford Bridge and has previously discussed his desire to return to Italy, where he previously spent time with Palermo and Roma.