European champions Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing a move for Chelsea’s Eden Hazard next summer, should they fail in their pursuit of Neymar.
As per a report from Spanish publication Don Balon, La Liga giants Real Madrid will make a move for Chelsea attacker Eden Hazard in the next summer window, if they are unable to land PSG superstar Neymar.
The reigning European champions had been on the lookout for a marquee signing all summer, following star man Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure to Juventus. And Neymar was one of the many players that were linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu. However, the former Barcelona star stayed put at the Parc des Princes, having only moved to France last year.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez harbours hopes of signing the Brazilian international next summer though and is expected to make another attempt at securing his signing. However, if the move fails to come to fruition again, Madrid have identified Hazard as the alternative for the Brazil captain.
The Chelsea superstar too was one among the players that were heavily linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer. The player himself was understood to be keen on joining the Merengues and had dropped several hints about a possible transfer post the summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia.
“After six wonderful years at Chelsea it might be time to discover something different,” the 27-year old had said post the blocbuster event in Russia. “For my career, certainly after this World Cup, I’m at a moment where I might change.”
Madrid did raid Chelsea in the summer window to sign goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, in a deal that saw Mateo Kovacic join the Londoners on loan. However, Hazard ended up staying with the Blues following the appointment of Maurizio Sarri as their new manager.
The 27-year old has a contract with the West Londoners that runs till the summer of 2020. By the time the next summer transfer window opens, the wing wizard will be entering the final year of his agreement and Real are hoping to capitalize on that by making a big money move.
Chelsea are hoping to convince Hazard to pen a new deal with the club and are prepared to bump up his wages to £300,000-a-week. The Belgium international currently earns £200,000-per-week. However, the attacker is understood to be in no hurry and will wait till the end of the season to commit his future to the club, provided the Blues qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
The signs are encouraging for Chelsea though, after having made an impressive start to life under Sarri. The Londoners currently sit second in the Premier League table, with Hazard bagging two goals and setting up two more in four matches so far.
However, there is still plenty of time left for the season to end and it remains to be seen if Chelsea are able to sustain their early form for the rest of the campaign.
