Real Madrid have reportedly been told to cough up €150 million if they want to sign Belgian attacker Eden Hazard from Chelsea.
As per reports from Spanish publication Don Balon, Premier League giants Chelsea have slapped a €150 million price tag on star man Eden Hazard, who is being chased by reigning European champions Real Madrid.
Real Madrid have been pursuing the signature of Belgian intently since the summer transfer window, following Cristiano Ronaldo’s unexpected departure to Juventus. Hazard too had hinted at the possibility of moving to the Spanish capital outfit, following his exploits in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
However, new Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri managed to convince the attacker to stay put in London and Hazard has thrived under the Italian tactician in the 2018-19 season. The 27-year old has already netted seven goals and set up two more, in eight matches across all competitions this term. He is the leading goalscorer in the Premier League with six strikes against his name.
On the other hand, Real Madrid, after a promising start to life without Ronaldo under Julen Lopetegui, seem to have hit a roadblock in recent games. Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to CSKA Moscow in the Champions League was Los Blancos’ third game in a row without a goal — their worst run since the 2006-07 season.
Karim Benzema is going through a goal-drought once again after an impressive start to the season, while an injury to star man Gareth Bale has further handicapped the European champions in the final third of the pitch.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is eager to find a solution to the team’s lack of goals at the earliest possible and has reportedly decided to make a move for Hazard once the transfer window is open for business in January, should things fail to improve between now and then.
Hazard has a little under two years left on his current contract with Chelsea. Aware of the Merengues’ intentions, the Blues are planning to renew the 27-year old’s deal, with reports of a bumper £300,000-per-week contract emerging last month. There have been murmurs of late that Sarri is planning on naming the Belgian star as the club captain, in order to convince him to stay and sign an extension.
Hazard admitted recently that he had his mind set on a move to Spain in the summer and did not rule out a transfer in the near future.
Speaking to BT Sport (h/t DreamTeam FC), the 27-year old said: “I will tell you the truth. After the World Cup I wanted to leave because my dream is to play in Spain. Then I spoke to the board and the manager and I said ‘I can stay no problem’. The new manager has come in and we are enjoying playing with him and I’m happy I stayed.
“I’ve got three years on my contract left. But there is also a possibility I will move in a year or two as well. For me it’s easy to stay. If I leave or if I stay, I will be happy. This club is now part of my life.”
Judging by Real Madrid’s recent displays, it is clear that they could use someone of Hazard’s quality in their ranks. But Chelsea will fight tooth and nail to keep hold of their star player. However, if push comes to shove, the Blues will consider selling their prized asset but any negotiation will have to begin at their valuation of €150 million.
