Today’s gossip revolves around the man who just doesn’t seem to want to stay at Stamford Bridge; a highly rated Italian striker who is too troublesome for the top clubs and a former Real Madrid player attracting interest from a Premier League giant.
Eden Hazard is set to become the first victim of Antonio Conte’s regime at Chelsea, while Juventus’ star striker Alvaro Morata is a wanted man by Arsenal.
Hazard to be put on transfer list upon the arrival of Conte
Eden Hazard has been a much-maligned figure at Stamford Bridge, even after his heroics from last season. The Belgian has had a woeful season, not finding the back of the net in the Premier League and being a shadow of his former self, even as Chelsea languish in the 10th position in the Premier League table.
Hazard hasn’t been particularly cautious in his admiration of other clubs, even saying that PSG and Real Madrid were clubs that any footballer would want to play for. He has also been subjected to abuse and ridicule from the Chelsea fans for his perceived role in the departure of manager Jose Mourinho.
However, it looks like the Belgian winger’s time at Stamford Bridge is going to come to an end sooner rather than later. Two experienced agents, who have had a hand in numerous transfers in and out of Stamford Bridge, have informed other European clubs that Hazard is for sale in the summer, according to the Sun.
Antonio Conte has reportedly been made aware of Hazard’s role in the departure of Mourinho, and is not keen on retaining the services of the winger at Chelsea. He is set to become the first casualty of Conte’s reign at Stamford Bridge as the Italian looks to revamp the squad before the start of the next season.
The 24-year-old could leave for a record transfer fee though, as he is very highly rated and has the potential to become one of the very best players in the world in the next three years. But with figures as high as 80 million pounds being reported, it remains to be seen how much Hazard can command from the top clubs in Europe.
Arsenal want former Real Madrid forward
Arsenal’s woes up front have been heavily scrutinized in the past few seasons. Ever since the departure of Robin van Persie, the Gunners have been in search of a top class striker to get them the goals. Although Olivier Giroud has performed admirably over the past few seasons, the Frenchman has failed to produce the necessary consistency inherent in a top quality striker.
The number one target for them this summer is none other than former Real Madrid and current Juventus striker Alvaro Morata, according to the Telegraph. The Spaniard does have a 23 million buy black clause which Real Madrid are planning to trigger in the summer, according to the same report, but he could be sold for as much as 30 million pounds if Arsenal have a legitimate interest in the striker.
Morata has been impressive for Juventus in the past two seasons, notching up 25 goals in 87 appearances and has the ability to go on and become a top quality striker.
Liverpool eyeing swap deal for Fiorentina midfielder
Mario Balotelli has been more of a waste than a wonder at Liverpool so far. The Reds striker is currently on loan at AC Milan, and neither party seems keen to extend the Italian striker’s stay in either Italy or England. However, he could play a role in the acquisition of Fiorentina attacking midfielder Josip Ilicic for Liverpool as a part of swap deal, according to Italian publication Il Giornale.
Ilicic has scored 12 goals in 24 appearances for the Serie A team, and it appears Liverpool want to sign the player next summer. Balotelli on the other hand, has scored once in 14 appearances for Milan since his arrival at the San Siro at the beginning of the season.
