Real Madrid have taken the first step in landing Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, claims Spanish media outlet AS.
The reigning Champions League holders are reported to have agreed personal terms with his representatives as last summer’s courtship begins to bear fruit.
Hazard is under contract until 2020 with Chelsea keen to renew their talismanic forward’s deal. However, contradictory noises from his camp in recent weeks suggest that the Blues will struggle to convince the Belgian international to stay in West London.
It’s no surprise these claims are being made. Hazard frequently cites his desire to move to the Bernabeu in his career. Yet, he tantalises the Blues fans with words which appear to confirm his loyalty to the West London club.
Whether the potential transfer ban the club faces will impact the situation remains to be seen. Chelsea are one of five Premier League clubs under investigation for mis-dealings with youth players, the very same offences which saw Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid all suffer a one-year transfer embargo.
Should that happen, the Blues hope Hazard will follow Antoine Griezmann’s example and remain at the club to see them through that period. The flipside of that is that if the ban becomes effective from next summer’s window, Chelsea run the risk of Hazard walking away on a free transfer when it is lifted.
