Time To Give Up On Eden Hazard?

So, the ‘race’ to sign Eden Hazard looks like it just got a lot more difficult after Man City manager Roberto Mancini was in the stands to watch him in action for Lille on Sunday night.

Rumours over the future of Hazard have filled the gossip pages for months after the player all but confirmed he will be moving to the Premier League this summer (source: Sky Sports News).

Lille should expect bids from Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd, Tottenham and Man City for their playmaker, according to ESPN, but now that mega-rich City have their eyes on the player, what chance do the others have?

Over the past few years, City have been on a mission to try and sign the world’s top talent in order to cement their status amongst the world’s elite football clubs, so it’s no surprise to see they’re after Hazard.

The Belgian international has been flirting with all the top Premier League clubs and has previously said he would choose guaranteed first team football over money. However, it’s one thing to say that, but it’s an entirely different story when someone puts a £200k-a-week, five-year contract in front of your face.

While Hazard may be able to command a first team place at Arsenal or Tottenham, both London clubs can’t compete with the wages City can offer. £100k a week would be a stretch for them. Whereas joining City may mean more time on the bench, one thing he would be guaranteed at the Etihad Stadium is a wage packet of well over £150-a-week, and challenging for honours every year.

Realistically, who do you think he would join in these circumstances? More matches and less money at Arsenal or Tottenham? Or less playing time, but more money and a better chance of trophies at City? Personally, i would be majorly surprised not to see Hazard in a City shirt.

However, United or Chelsea could yet have a say on where he ends up, as both could compete with City in terms of wages and he could arguably find it easier to get a game at either of those sides.

As an Arsenal fan, a few months ago i was confident we had a chance of signing Hazard but the closer we get to the summer the more i think he’ll be at one of the Manchester clubs. Unfortunately, money talks these days.

Where do you think Hazard will be playing next season?

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