Chelsea have been closely monitoring Eden Hazard’s younger brother Thorgan Hazard and German Journalist Philip Harmeling has revealed that Antonio Conte has made him his top target this January. Thorgan Hazard was earlier a Chelsea player but the 23-year-old could not make any senior appearances in his three years at the club. He has been in fine form this season for Borussia Monchengladbach which has seemingly prompted Conte to trigger his buy-back clause.
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Thorgan Hazard was loaned out to the German club in 2014 and after a successful spell in the Bundesliga, Borussia Monchengladbach made the deal permanent in February 2015. In order to bring him back, Harmeling revealed that the release clause was fixed to be between £16-£18m. Furthermore, he also claimed that despite strong interest, both the 23-year-old and the club are not interested in facilitating the move back to the west London outfit.
Thorgan Hazard’s transfer fee to sign for Gladbach was reported to be £5.9 million so should the Blues trigger his release clause, the German side would make a hefty profit.
Harmeling posted in a series of tweets: "Chelsea has approached #BMG for Hazard and his buy-out clause. The price is fixed around €18-20M (£16-£18m) but none of BMG and Hazard are interested.
"Chelsea has made Hazard a priority for the next transfer window in January but looks like they have a lot to do to convince Hazard to leave."
Thorgan Hazard has settled well in the Bundesliga side having impressed with 18 goals and 20 assists in 89 appearances at Gladbach. The Belgian has scored three goals this season in just 5 Bundesliga appearances - and has scored seven in nine in all competitions.
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Chelsea have a history of players leaving the club due to lack of chances and proving their decision to be a career-changer. Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Nemanja Matic left the club remorseful as they found success elsewhere. And it seems to be the same case again.
However, Thorgan Hazard could also return to Stamford Bridge in a position of strength like Matic and David Luiz. As reported by Harmeling, it will require a certain level of persuasion from Chelsea who are keen to reunite the Belgian brothers.
The Blues have until December 31st to activate Hazard's buy-back clause but will have to wait until January 1st to have him registered.
(Video courtesy: WorldOfFootballHD YouTube channel)
