Inter director Beppe Marotta confirms Achraf Hakimi’s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain is ‘in the conclusive stages’ and will be done within ‘a day or so.’
The deal is believed to be done for €70m, including various performance-related bonuses, under a year after his €45m move from Real Madrid.
“Piero Ausilio was working on it, we are in the conclusive stages. There are some formalities to be completed, but I think within a day or so we can conclude it,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.
“Obviously, this is a painful moment for us, but I am an administrator who must guarantee the economic sustainability of the club during a difficult time for the world of football in general.
“Once the Hakimi operation is concluded, it will allow us to have a bit of breathing room and we really hope that we will no longer need to sell any other big players, as we want to maintain most of the squad that won the Scudetto.”
The Morocco international had also been linked with Chelsea, who had proposed €60m plus Marcos Alonso, but PSG were always considered the favourites.
Among the potential replacements for Hakimi at Inter are Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin or Davide Zappacosta of Chelsea.
“We are a team, working with the coach and various collaborators. We must have patience to make the most of opportunities on the transfer market. I don’t expect the big clubs to make many large transfers.”
Marotta also confirmed Inter will look to their youth academy far more for the future and the days of stratospheric salary packages are gone in this ‘new era’ post-COVID.