Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has reportedly planned to hold crunch talks with Eden Hazard amid speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid.
According to The Times, Chelsea are poised to hold some serious talks with Eden Hazard this week, regarding his future with Real Madrid waiting in the wings. The Belgian international sparked rumours about a potential move away from Stamford Bridge following the end of the national side’s World Cup campaign, which ideally attracted the interest of Los Blancos.
However, newly appointed Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is determined to keep hold of his prized asset despite interest from the European champions. And it is believed that the Italian is set to hold ‘eye to eye’ talks on Monday with the Blues reportedly readying a £300,000-a-week contract in order to encourage him to reject Real Madrid and stay at the club.
Regarded as one of the best players to play in the Premier League in the past decade, Hazard’s contract extension could serve as a huge boost for Chelsea. The Blues have already struggled in the market, having been able to sign just one quality player in the shape of Jorginho. Thus, it’s imperative that they hold on to their star players this summer.
But, chances of that happening are seemingly bleak with the revered trio of Hazard, Thibaut Courtois and Willian all being linked with a move elsewhere. Courtois, in particular, is another Belgian keen on a move to Real Madrid while Manchester United are also plotting an ambitious swap deal to prise away Willian.
That being said, Eden Hazard is one such player Chelsea can not afford to lose given their lack of depth in the attacking department.
Indeed, the Belgian has had a telling impact since joining Chelsea back in 2012, crunching up over 10 goals in four of his six seasons in the English top flight. In addition, he has also been able to muster up 75 assists during his six-year stint at Chelsea. His consistent performances helped the Blues secure two Premier League titles along with an FA Cup and an English League Cup.
And as the West London giants brace themselves to usher in a new era under Sarri next season, Hazard could play a vital role especially with most of their attackers failing to remain consistent barring Willian, provided he ignores the advances of Real Madrid to stay at Stamford Bridge.
Thus, Chelsea could find themselves in a spot of bother without the services of their Belgian superstar next season. And if their talisman joins Real Madrid, not only will they run the risk of overpaying the desired replacement this late in the transfer window, but they’ll also have to take full responsibility of the problems the replacement might face of settling into his new club.
Therefore, a lot will depend on what transpires on Monday as Sarri looks to test out his skills of persuasion in an attempt to convince Hazard of rebuffing Real Madrid and remain at Stamford Bridge beyond the summer transfer window.
