Manchester City have joined the race to land Real Madrid full-back Achraf Hakimi, who has spent the last two seasons on loan at Borussia Dortmund.
The Moroccan international arrived at Borussia Dortmund on a two-year long loan deal in the summer of 2018 and is now entering the final months of that arrangement.
It is unclear where his future lies – he appears to have regular game-time at Dortmund while at Madrid, his preferred position of right-back is already occupied by Dani Carvajal with Alvaro Odriozola and Nacho Fernandez also in that position.
A report in Diario AS expands on a story from Cadena Ser which outlined how City boss Pep Guardiola is keen on a move for the player and an enquiry has already been made.
Achraf’s agent Alejandro Camano said last month his client would return to the Spanish capital when asked of an alleged approach from Italian club Inter, as reported by El Mundo Deportivo: “There is no such offer. We will return to Madrid.”
In March, a report in Diario AS said Madrid want Achraf back at the club for next season but are aware they would not be able to guarantee him first-team football and were in a dilemma over his future.
“Real Madrid are the club I call home,” Hakimi told Telefoot, in quotes cited by Diario AS.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time there and played lots of games there. If Real Madrid want me to go back, I’ll go back. And if not, I will need to write the next chapter at another great club.”
The player told Cadena Ser in February: “Returning to Madrid is what my contract says, but anything can happen in June and we will see what happens in the summer.
“In my head, I have to want to be playing and keep growing where I am given first-team opportunities, like has been the case here in Germany.
“I want to showcase the player that I am and do what I enjoy doing the most – playing football.”
Hakimi, 21, has already amassed 22 caps for Morocco, including all three group matches at the 2018 World Cup.
The full-back had represented the Bundesliga title challengers 33 times last season and was largely very impressive before being ruled out for the remainder of the campaign in March.
He has once again return to action this season and has appeared in 40 games since the summer including a starring performance in November’s 3-2 win over Inter in the Champions League – where he netted twice.
