Arsenal
Eden Hazard Latest….Chelsea Linked But Deal A Long Way Off
Chelsea have been linked with a £25m move for Lille forward Eden Hazard, we look at the possible transfer and see where the player is most likely to end up.
It seems like the name ‘Eden Hazard’ has been in the gossip columns every day over the last six months. The Belgian forward is one of the most sought-after players in Europe with a host of clubs linked with a move for the exciting youngster.
In the summer it was Arsenal who were constantly linked, only last week Manchester City were reported to have thrown their hat in to the ring, and today it was the turn of Chelsea. L’Equipe have linked the Blues with a £25m bid, claiming they have already held talks with Lille about the possibility of signing Hazard this month.
However, the French news outlet say the two clubs are miles apart on the transfer fee. Chelsea’s £25m offer is short of Lille’s valuation, with the French Champions looking for around £35m.
Lille confirmed they have received offers for the 21-year-old, but insist the player will not leave the club during this window. Jean-Michel Vandamme told L’Equipe:
‘Yes, we have received a lot of very interesting proposals,’
‘But the clubs want the player immediately and on this we have a very clear idea: Hazard will remain at least until the end of the season. He will not go.’
Arsenal, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and AC Milan are all keeping an eye on things, but Real Madrid remain one of the favourites to land the precocious forward. Marc Formeaux, Hazard’s representative, confirmed his client would prefer a move to the Bernabeu:
‘The player himself has declared that he wants to play for Madrid.’ said Marc Formeaux.
It’s going to be extremely difficult for any Premier League club to secure the signature of Hazard. Lille are notoriously difficult to negotiate with, and with the player himself showing a preference for Real Madrid, the Belgian seems destined to end up in Spain this summer.
Arsenal’s interest looks doomed as Arsene Wenger is unlikely to detract from his strict transfer policy and stump up the required fee and wages. This is less of a problem for the likes of Chelsea or City, who could easily afford both, so it’s down to persuading the player his future is best served in the Premiership over La Liga. Which is easier said than done.
