Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi has apparently emerged as a transfer target for three European heavyweights amid uncertainty surrounding his long-term future.
The Morocco international has established a reputation as one of the best in the world in his position since bursting onto the scene with Borussia Dortmund, whom he spent two years on loan at from Real Madrid.
Hakimi subsequently became a Serie A champion with Inter Milan before making the €68m (£57m) switch to the Parc des Princes in the summer of 2021, since when he has won three successive Ligue 1 crowns and has helped PSG assume top spot in the 2024-25 top-flight table.
The 25-year-old - who also captains the Morocco national team - has 16 goals and 22 assists to show from 130 matches in a PSG jersey, scoring twice and setting up three more efforts in 2024-25 already.
However, Hakimi has never signed a contract extension in the French capital, and his current terms are due to expire in 2026, leaving PSG in an awkward position next year if he does not commit to a new contract.
Manchester City, Liverpool to battle for Hakimi?
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According to Fichajes, all of Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester City have been alerted to Hakimi's contract situation in Paris and could try to make a move for the Moroccan in 2025 if he does not commit his future to the French champions.
It was reported in the summer that PSG and Hakimi were close to striking a deal over a new contract, but the final details have not yet been ironed out, offering other European clubs hope that the agreement could still fall through.
Man City are believed to be targeting Hakimi as a possible replacement for Kyle Walker, whose own contract runs out in the summer of 2023, and the Premier League champions could supposedly let him go for just £15m.
In addition, both Liverpool and Real Madrid could try to prise Hakimi away from Paris, although their pursuits of the 25-year-old will no doubt hinge on what happens with Trent Alexander-Arnold's future.
Hakimi previously represented Real Madrid from 2006 to 2020, coming through the Blancos youth system, but he only made 17 appearances for the first team before being sold to Inter Milan in 2020.
What is the latest on Alexander-Arnold's future?
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Liverpool and Real Madrid going head-to-head for Hakimi would certainly be an intriguing prospect, although one team would certainly drop out of the race when Alexander-Arnold comes to a decision on his next career move.
The England international is yet to agree to a new deal beyond the summer of 2025, meaning that he can enter talks with Real Madrid from January, and Arne Slot has continuously refused to engage in conversation over his future.
Carlo Ancelotti and co are said to view Alexander-Arnold as the perfect successor to Dani Carvajal, and reports from Spain have alleged that Liverpool are 'resigned' to losing their academy graduate when his contract runs out.
Alexander-Arnold has affirmed that he is not totally motivated by trophies, but he has aspirations to one day win the Ballon d'Or, which history suggests is easier to do at Real Madrid than Liverpool.
Sporting director Richard Hughes will no doubt be working behind the scenes to secure an extension, but he also has Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah's deals to worry about.
Ben Knapton
