Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Inter Milan right-back Achraf Hakimi, who has voiced his desire to stay with the Nerazzurri.
With Hector Bellerin supposedly on his way out of the club this summer, Mikel Arteta is expected to prioritise a new right-back in the summer transfer window.
Inter's £40m-rated Hakimi has been tipped to complete a move to North London amid the Nerazzurri's financial woes, and Arsenal were said to be preparing a concrete offer, but Hakimi has affirmed that he sees his future at San Siro.
Speaking to La Repubblica, the former Real Madrid man said: "The team that attracted me the most was Inter and I saw it as a growth project.
"I am honoured to be one of the testimonials for the new club logo. I like it, as it looks to the future, a future we can build together. I hope to stay at this club for a long time, I'm very happy."
Hakimi has scored six goals and set up six more for Antonio Conte's men in the 2020-21 Serie A campaign, and his existing deal in Milan does not expire until 2025.
Ben Knapton
