Real Madrid are reportedly set to make one final assault to nab Eden Hazard from Chelsea ahead of next week’s transfer deadline in Spain.
According to a report by Daily Mirror, Real Madrid are readying their one final attempt to secure the services of Eden Hazard before the summer transfer window slams shut. Chelsea though, are reluctant to part ways with the Belgian superstar, who recently hinted towards staying put at Stamford Bridge.
This summer’s saga involving Eden Hazard has been quite confusing. While the player initially suggested that he would like to leave Chelsea and perhaps, join Real Madrid, there has been very little movement to suggest that a transfer could take place.
While Real Madrid’s interest in Hazard is well documented, widespread reports have suggested that Los Blancos are ready to call off their pursuit of the Chelsea superstar, and instead give Marco Asensio and Isco the chance to take over from the departed Cristiano Ronaldo.
A couple of games into the season though, and Isco hasn’t quite been the leader in attack that Julen Lopetegui would have liked. While Marco Asensio has been impressive, Real Madrid are not quite as well stocked in wide options beyond the Spaniard and Gareth Bale, with Lucas Vazquez the only other natural winger.
The European champions have thus, reportedly reignited their interest in Hazard, who can make a difference from the left flank and complement the abilities of Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale. Chelsea though, are adamant that they will not sell their star man for any price.
Instead, they are eager to tie him down to a bumper new deal, with his current contract set to run out in less than two years. The Blues’ chances of retaining Hazard would have also been boosted after he ruled out a departure from Stamford Bridge this summer, despite earlier suggesting that he would like to join Real Madrid.
As far as putting pen to paper on a new £300,000-a-week deal is concerned, Hazard will probably wait till the end of the season to see if Chelsea can return to the Champions League. But, Real Madrid’s chances of signing the 27-year-old look really slim, with the West Londoners not in any capacity to replace him.
For now, it looks like Hazard will stay put at Stamford Bridge for at least one more season, if not longer. And, Chelsea fans will be hoping he continues the rich vein of form he has showed over the last couple of seasons, as well as the World Cup, where he won the Silver Ball.