'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
What's the rumour?
As per a report from The Daily Star, Pep Guardiola is planning an audacious move for Chelsea's Eden Hazard. He is reportedly ready to bid £100 million for the Belgian this summer.
In case you didn't know...
Since his arrival in England from French side Lille in 2012, Hazard has evolved to be one of the Premier League's best players. He has been Chelsea's master creator for more than 5 years now and has made over 300 appearances for the club in the process.
He is also the driving force of the Belgium national team and has won 82 caps for his country. He is expected to play a starring role in their exploits in Russia this summer.
His current contract with Chelsea runs out in 2020.
The heart of the matter
After winning the league in grand fashion, Pep Guardiola is ready to add more firepower to his ranks as City hope to make their mark in next season's UEFA Champions League.
So, they are looking at possible transfer targets and have identified the Belgian as a feasible option. As per the report, they are plotting a mega-move for the 27-year-old this summer who is yet to commit his long-term future with the club.
Hazard has been in decent form this season as well and despite Chelsea's struggles, he has managed to score 16 goals and rack up 13 assists in all competitions.
Rumour rating/probability - 5/10
Not many credible sources are reporting the same news at the moment and a move seems unlikely right now. The picture will become clearer in the coming weeks.
Video: Hazard in action for Chelsea this season
Author's take
Despite their struggles this season and a probable managerial change at Chelsea, the club is extremely unlikely to sell the player to a direct rival. Thus, it will be better for City to look at more viable alternatives as there is very little chance that they can prise Hazard away from Chelsea.
