Real Madrid have reportedly reignited their interest in Eden Hazard after failing in their bid to sign Kylian Mbappe this summer.
Spanish publication Don Balon have reported that Real Madrid have ended their pursuit of Kylian Mbappe after AS Monaco told them that the Frenchman is not for sale. Los Blancos have now turned their attention back to Chelsea’s Eden Hazard as Zinedine Zidane eyes reinforcement in attack this summer.
The Spanish champions had been hot in pursuit of of AS Monaco wonder boy, Mbappe in recent weeks, having lodged in several bids that would have made him the most expensive player in footballing history.
But even though the player was reportedly open to a move to Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid failed to reach an agreement with Monaco over a transfer. Zidane has, thus, set his sights at Hazard once again as the Florentino Perez looks to bring in a marquee name to the Bernabeu this summer.
Hazard has been an instrumental figure for Chelsea ever since he made the switch to Stamford Bridge from Lille in the summer of 2012. In fact, the player has been the bedrock of much of Chelsea’s success in the last five years, playing a pivotal role in both of their recent Premier League triumphs.
The 2016/17 season saw Hazard rediscover his best form after an underwhelming 2015/16 season. In all, the 26-year-old played 36 games in the Premier League for the Blues, grabbing a handsome return of 16 goals and 5 assists to enjoy his best ever season in the English top flight.
However, the player’s rise back to the upper echelons of English football could prove to be detrimental for Chelsea, with Real Madrid ready to prowl. Hazard, too, hasn’t hidden the fact that he’d be open to a move to the Spanish capital.
At the Bernabeu, Zinedine Zidane has enjoyed a spectacular year and a half as the Real Madrid manager, winning two Champions League and a La Liga title. And while there are very few weaknesses in his side, the Frenchman is eager to remove all the small chinks to make his team a true force to be reckoned with.
Gareth Bale’s fitness and Karim Benzema’s form are two things that are believed to be worrisome for Zidane even as Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy his critics. Thus, attack has become a priority area for summer reinforcement, making Hazard a viable target.
At 26, Hazard is at the peak of his powers, which would make his addition at the Bernabeu a top piece of transfer business. Chelsea, though, are unwilling to let the Belgian winger leave, and have offered him a chance to become the highest paid player in the Premier League with a bumper new deal.
It now remains to be seen if Real Madrid are able to persuade Hazard to make the summer switch to the Bernabeu this summer or if Chelsea convince the player that a Stamford Bridge stay is what is best for him.