Chelsea transfer news: Real Madrid willing to offer two players for Chelsea star, Blues urged to drop striker chase, and more - 27th December 2018

Hello and welcome to the daily Chelsea transfer round-up - your one-stop shop for all the latest Chelsea transfer news and rumours.

Chelsea emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline on their trip to Watford in the mid-week, and with Arsenal dropping points away to Brighton, the Blues have now entered the top 4 in the Premier League table. Maurizio Sarri's men are currently placed 4th with 40 points from 19 games following their Boxing Day fixture.

However, the Italian boss is wary of Chelsea's weaknesses and is on the hunt for new faces who can help him mount a serious title challenge in January. The club has been linked with a host of attackers while dealing with constant reports of Eden Hazard willing to leave Stamford Bridge.

That being said, let's have a look at all the top stories concerning Chelsea today.

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#1 Kovacic hints at Chelsea stay

Mateo Kovacic is in love with London and has hinted at a permanent stay

Mateo Kovacic has successfully resurrected his career with a loan move to Chelsea, following his bit-part role at Real Madrid. The Croatian is getting much more minutes under his belt in contrast to what he got at the Santiago Bernabeu and has hinted at making his loan deal permanent at the end of the season.

When asked about his views on how his move to the Blues has panned out, Kovacic said,

"I think it was the most important thing I did for now in my career. It was a step I wanted a lot, I wanted to come here. I say thank you to my previous club, to Chelsea as well, who wanted me a lot. I am enjoying it and I like it a lot here. For now, I am happy here."

“The city is amazing, the club is one of the best in the world, and my team-mates are great. I need to respect my previous club, Real Madrid. I can imagine myself staying here, but I have a contract I need to respect, and that is what I will do.”

#2 Chelsea urged to drop chase for Gonzalo Higuain

Chelsea have been urged to switch their attention from Gonzalo Higuain

Chelsea's floundering strikers have compelled Maurizio Sarri to turn to the transfer market for apt reinforcements in the attacking department. And, the Italian coach has been rumoured to be planning a move for Gonzalo Higuain.

However, the Blues have been urged to switch their attention from the Argentinian hitman and instead play Olivier Giroud as the spearhead upfront, by Matchday pundit Danny Murphy.

According to former England and Liverpool star, the 32-year-old striker could be the best catalyst to unlock more goals from Eden Hazard. Giroud has been restricted to a bit-part role under both Antonio Conte and Maurizio Sarri following his move from Arsenal almost a year ago.

Urging Chelsea to use Giroud more than often, Murphy said,

“I like Giroud. I'd play him. He's a World Cup winner."

"Eden Hazard loves playing with him. He's reliable."

#1 Real Madrid willing to offer two players in exchange for Eden Hazard

Real Madrid are in hot pursuit of Eden Hazard

Real Madrid have made no secret of their longing to have Eden Hazard in their squad. And, Los Blancos are steadily working towards the deal to bring him to the Santiago Bernabeu.

According to Onda Sero via Express, Real Madrid are said to be eyeing a player-plus-cash deal for the Belgian forward. The Spanish giants are interested in offering Mateo Kovacic and Isco in lieu of Hazard.

Mateo Kovacic is currently on loan at Chelsea and has been in and out of the squad due to competition from Ruben Loftus Cheek and Ross Barkley. However, the Croatian midfielder has been promised a place in the starting XI by Maurizio Sarri.

Isco has fallen down the pecking order under Santiago Solari. The Spaniard is incessantly being linked with moves out of the club and could well be used in the bait to bring Hazard to the Spanish capital.

For more Chelsea transfer news and rumors, visit our Chelsea Transfer News page!