Real Madrid are reportedly lining up a £150 million bid to sign Chelsea superstar Eden Hazard, who is also a summer target for Barcelona.
According to a report by Daily Mail, Real Madrid are stepping up their efforts to secure the services of Eden Hazard in the summer transfer window. Los Blancos see the Chelsea man, who is also being targeted by Barcelona, as the true replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, and are lining up a £150 million bid to land him.
Hazard has progressed leaps and bounds since joining Chelsea from Lille in the summer of 2012. Over the last six years, the Belgian international has played a pivotal role for the Blues, particularly in the two seasons that has seen them lift the Premier League trophy.
Most notably though, the kind of consistency that Hazard has shown in the last two campaigns have seen him go a long way in fulfilling his world class potential. 34 goals and 20 assists during this period is a return that most players would be happy with. But, the Belgian’s future at Chelsea is uncertain after their fifth-placed finish last season. Real Madrid and Barcelona are among his suitors.
His exploits at the 2018 FIFA World Cup have made him an even more attractive prospect for Real Madrid and Barcelona, with Hazard one of the prime candidates to win the Golden Ball.
The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo is sure to send Real Madrid into a frenzy to sign a top class replacement. The likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe have been linked with Los Blancos as well. But, Hazard is sure to be a more approachable target, with the Belgian admitting his desire to represent Real Madrid.
Barcelona, on the other hand, have a more settled attacking unit than Real Madrid. But, there is very little quality at Ernesto Valverde’s disposal beyond Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. With Paco Alcacer set to call it quits, and Ousmane Dembele linked with a summer exit as well, there could likely be a shortage of depth upfront as well.
Hazard, with his technical ability and creativity will fit right in at Barcelona. But, the Blaugrana will have to pull their socks up if they are to secure the services of Hazard. The report suggests that Real Madrid are preparing a £150 million bid to secure the services of the 27-year-old.
Chelsea have been attempting to tie Hazard down to a bumper new deal at Stamford Bridge. But, recent reports have suggested that the player is ready to snub the contract offer and wait for a move to Real Madrid. These suggestions also put Barcelona at a disadvantage, who will have to offer him something more substantial than their bitter rivals.
Widespread reports have also claimed that Hazard will wait to see Chelsea’s transfer business before committing his future to the club. But, the lure of Champions League football could get him closer to Real Madrid or Barcelona.
At the present moment, Real Madrid look best placed to sign Hazard. Los Blancos certainly have a concrete interest in the Belgium captain. Barcelona and Chelsea though, face an uphill task in their bid to have Hazard at their clubs next season. An interesting next few weeks beckon in the Eden Hazard transfer saga.
