Real Madrid are reportedly lining up a £112 million bid to sign Eden Hazard, although Chelsea have a much higher valuation of the Belgian superstar.
According to a report published by the London Evening Standard, Real Madrid are planning to offer £112 million to secure the services of Eden Hazard this summer. But, Chelsea will only consider selling him if the Spanish giants shell out a colossal amount of £200 million.
Hazard has been one of the most pivotal players in the Chelsea squad, progressing leaps and bounds since his arrival from Lille in 2012. During this six-year period, the Belgian international got noted as one of the best players, not just in the Premier League but across Europe as well.
He has grown in stature in international football as well, having been bestowed with the responsibility of being the Belgium captain. The 27-year-old had a great World Cup campaign in Russia. He bagged 3 goals and 2 assists in 6 games, with his side cruising to an impressive third place finish, with the player winning the Silver Ball. His impressive showings have piqued the interest of Real Madrid again.
Real Madrid hold a long-standing interest in Hazard, with former manager Zinedine Zidane also showing his keenness to sign the Belgian international during his tenure. But, their interest in him heightened ever since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus, which has created a huge void upfront in the attack.
Gareth Bale is a prolific player for Los Blancos. But, his injury record does not depict him as a reliable figure throughout the season for Real Madrid.
Beyond the Welshman, there are limited resources in terms of performers in the attack. Hence Real Madrid certainly have an urgent need to bolster their attacking department, which makes Hazard a viable target.
Real Madrid also received a vital boost in the pursuit of Hazard, who recently indicated towards a possible departure from Chelsea this summer. But, the 27-year-old player claimed that he will honour Chelsea’s opinion as well, adding that the final decision will rest with the club.
Meanwhile, the arrival of Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea, have made them resolute to keep their prized asset in London for next season. Real Madrid though, are set to test their resolve by submitting a £112 million bid for Hazard. While the West Londoners do value the 27-year-old at around £200 million, they have insisted that they would convince him to sign a new contract.
The reports also suggests that Chelsea are reluctant to sell Hazard, as they would find it difficult to replace him in the three weeks remaining in the summer transfer window. With Thibaut Courtois set to join Real Madrid, the Blues are determined not to lose both players in the same window as they intend to improve the squad, and not deteriorate it after an underwhelming campaign last year.
It is certain that Real Madrid do have an advantage in this scenario, with the player hinting at a possible interest in representing Los Merengues. But, the final word does seem to rest with Chelsea. Thus, Florentino Perez will have to raise the bid to around £200 million to stand any chance of landing Hazard this summer.
