Eden Hazard is reportedly set to remain at Chelsea amid rumours linking him to Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Spanish publication Don Balon have reported that Eden Hazard is looking forward to represent Chelsea in the forthcoming season, turning down the chance to move away from Stamford Bridge. The Belgian winger had been attracting interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid this summer.
Hazard is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world having been a pivotal figure for Chelsea in the last few years. The Belgium international rediscovered his best form in the 2016/17 season after an underwhelming campaign in 2015/16, to help the Blues reclaim the Premier League title.
In fact, this past season was the most productive that Hazard has enjoyed in his senior career, bagging 16 goals and 5 assists in 36 Premier League appearances. His resurgent form has also resulted in the player attracting interest from two of the biggest clubs in the world – Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Barcelona have endured a disastrous time in the current transfer window with their problems being further accentuated by Neymar’s shock move to PSG this week. The Brazilian’s departure has left Ernesto Valverde seriously short of options in attack, and he is desperately eyeing reinforcements.
With the newly appointed Barcelona boss scrambling for replacements, Hazard has emerged as a viable target. Meanwhile, Real Madrid are in the market for an attacking player as well, with Zinedine Zidane confirming that they are scouting for options.
While attack has been one of his side’s stronger suits, Alvaro Morata’s departure, coupled with Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale’s struggles with form and fitness respectively have left him in need of signing a quality attacking player this summer. Furthermore, Bale is being heavily linked with Manchester United as well.
However, Barcelona and Real Madrid will likely have to set their sights elsewhere as Hazard has shut the door on a Chelsea exit this summer. Having played an instrumental role in the Blues’ Premier League triumph last season, the Belgian winger is now looking forward to a Champions League conquest with them.
Additionally, the player knows he will not be as important to the first-team setup at either of the aforementioned clubs as he is now at Chelsea.
Thus, with less than a month left before the summer transfer window slams shut, the two La Liga rivals now have to scour for other options as far as attacking reinforcements are concerned. It now remains to be seen if the duo are able to land any forward in the coming days.