What’s the story?
Chelsea superstar Eden Hazard has long been linked with a multi-million pound move to Spanish giants Real Madrid. However, reports in Belgium newspaper Het Lasste Nieuws suggest that the Blues are not willing to allow their prized-possession leave Stamford Bridge for the Santiago Bernabeu or any other club for the matter.
The reports are in stark contrast to what has so far been the narrative on one of the sagas of the upcoming transfer window. It was earlier reported that Los Blancos were prepared to offer Hazard wages on par with superstar Cristiano Ronaldo – making him one of the highest paid players in the world.
However, accrding to Het Lasste Nieuws, the Blues consider the 26-year-old to be an indespensible member of the squad and are wiling to offer him a new deal which will futher increase his £200,000-a-week salary – which will make him one of the highest, if not the highest, paid player in the Premier League.
In case you didn’t know...
Eden Hazard’s current contract with the Stamford Bridge outfit is set to expire at the end of the 2020 season and there is no urgency to renew it. However, it has been rumoured that the Santiago Bernabeu outfit are willing to shell out in excess of €100m for his services.
The 2014 PFA Player of the Year has long been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu but Los Blancos had cooled their interest in the Belgian following a dismal campaign last season. The Belgian has turned things around this season and has already notched up 11 goals along with 4 assists for the Blues this season – hitting the heights he had scaled two seasons ago.
The heart of the matter
With Cristiano Ronaldo slowly but surely ageing, Madrid are on the lookout for the next Galactico and who fits the bill better than the Chelsea superstar. The Belgian has been instrumental in the Blues’ rise to the summit of the Premier League to the point that they are almost destined to win their 5th league title this season.
What's next?
With Chelsea set to rebuff all attempts by the Spanish giants in their pursuit of Eden Hazard, Los Blancos will have to switch their focus elsewhere. The Blues are in pole position to win the Premier League title this season and it is highly unlikely that Antonio Conte would sanction the sale of his best player as he aims for more titles in the future.
Author’s Take
While the report suggests that Chelsea are certain to block any move by the Santiago Bernabeu outfit to sign their talisman, the lure of playing for arguably one of the biggest clubs in the world is too good for any footballer to turn down and Hazard is no exception. This is one saga that is certain to headline the entire summer transfer window and it will be interesting to keep a close watch on it.
