A long-time target for Real Madrid, Chelsea winger Eden Hazard could find himself on his way to Barcelona, according to Spanish radio station Onda Cero.
The 27-year-old has long been touted as part of a Madrid ‘dream double’ with fellow countryman and Blues goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, 26.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure for Juventus intensified speculation that the 33-year-old would be replaced by the Belgium internationals.
However, Barcelona are keen to strengthen their squad and are prepared to offer Ousmane Dembele in part-exchange for Hazard moving to the Catalan capital.
The 21-year-old moved to the Camp Nou last summer from Borussia Dortmund with a burgeoning reputation as one of football’s brightest stars. His fee of £97m, which with add-ons could increase to £136m, underlined the high regard in which he is held.
An injury-interrupted first season didn’t go as plan, despite Ernesto Valverde’s men winning La Liga at a canter.
Dembele, who was a member of the victorious France squad at this summer’s World Cup, scored just four goals in 23 appearances for the Spanish champions. Ironically, his first goal for the club came in the 3 – 0 home win over Chelsea in last season’s Champions League.
Hazard has yet to let his feelings be known. It’s understood he agreed terms with Real Madrid, leaving the Spaniards to negotiate with Chelsea. Barcelona’s interest may spur them on.
And with a player of considerable repute to include in the deal, the Catalans might well find themselves in pole position to win the race for his signature.
