3 players Chelsea should target to replace Eden Hazard

For over half a season now, Hazard's future at Chelsea has hung in the balance. At times, everyone is confident that Hazard loves the club and will stay there till the end of time and the next moment, it seems common knowledge that he is on his way out of the club.

With Chelsea's manager problem not sorted out, and with reports surfacing that the board is still waiting to pay Sarri's release clause, further turmoil lies ahead. It was clear during the last season that Conte's tactics are not effectively utilizing Hazard, as long balls hoofed up front are not what he is good at.

When Costa played, it was much easier for the Belgian as these two played off each other. Morata being in poor form for the greater part of the season must have messed up Hazard, as he was the key to Conte's dominance the previous season. While Hazard is still great, it is understandable that he wants to move to a team where is he better used.

If Hazard does decide to leave, it will be of utmost importance to Chelsea that they replace him. Here's a look at 3 such players who can fill his boots:

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#3 Riyad Mahrez

Mahrez has the quality, but is almost on his way to Manchester City

Okay, this one might be a little too late as Mahrez is close to moving to City for 75 million pounds.

If you wonder why City are going for Mahrez despite having both Sterling and Sane, it is simply because Mahrez is just that good. In the Premier League, he is the closest in playing style to Hazard and City are right to go for him.

As much as the move makes sense for City, it is a little weird from Mahrez's perspective - he would go from a certain starter at Leicester City to be rotated at City. He already has a winner's medal too, so it wouldn't matter as much to him as it does to others who are chasing it.

Leicester had a poor season last year, finishing only in the 9th place but Mahrez was still excellent - scoring 13 goals and assisting 10 more across all competitions. At Chelsea, he will have the potential to help them to one more medal, but at the moment it seems unlikely.

#2 Anthony Martial

Alexis Sanchez's arrival has put Martial back on the market

The arrival of Alexis Sanchez at Manchester United meant a lot of things, but to Anthony Martial it meant an unexpected turn of fortunes.

Martial was well and truly on his way to becoming a world-class player at United, but the winter window saw him being pushed to the sidelines in favor of the experienced Chilean. And if reports are to be believed, he is looking for a way out of the club and to somewhere he will be taken care of.

Chelsea is the closest destination which will be in need of a left attacker, and Martial's experience in also playing as a striker will come in handy. Jose Mourinho has all but washed his hands off the Frenchman, and his inability to make the France squad for the world cup will come down to a lack of playing time at United.

Martial will be an excellent transfer for Chelsea, also one the club is willing to do. His pace on the counter will work irrespective of their manager, and Martial also has the potential to develop into a player the team can be built around.

#1 Isco

Could getting few minutes this season play on Isco's mind?

Probably the player in the world who is closest to Hazard in terms of playing style, it is only natural that Chelsea look to Isco as a replacement for Hazard.

But like Hazard, Isco is limited by the style of the team he plays for. In the Spanish national team, where it is a lot of quick passes and flicks, he is phenomenal. But in Real Madrid, where there are a lot more crosses and long balls over the top, he looks a bit lost.

After winning the Champions League, Real Madrid will definitely turn to the league next season and in a 38-match long season, their current team hasn't worked. They will look to strengthen their squad, and it can only be funded by getting rid of a few.

Isco seems to spend a lot more time on the bench of late, and is not getting enough minutes to keep him happy. It is understandable that he wants a move away from the club and somewhere he will surely start.

What better place than Chelsea then? But it will come down a lot to who is in charge there next season. If Chelsea remain under Conte, it is not easy to picture this happen. Under an attacking manager like Sarri, it will be the best case scenario for both the parties involved.