The Eden Hazard to Real Madrid transfer saga has taken a new twist this summer, with more bad news on that front today.
As re-reported by Spanish news outlet Sport, Spanish TV show El Chiringuito claims Hazard has agreed a contract with Real Madrid.
This follows months of speculations surrounding his exit from Chelsea who has still not signed a new contract with the Blues as he’s edging closer to it expiring at the end of next season.
That being said, it seems now the time for the Blues to start planning for a future without Hazard, so in the aftermath of Hazard leaving the Stamford Bridge, here’s our list of six replacements the Blues can sign (two of which are at the club already).
1) Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona)
Coutinho’s future with Barcelona has been making serious speculation after a tough time at Barcelona, and Don Balon have claimed the Brazilian playmaker is a target for the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United.
The report from the Spanish news publication also adds that the Catalan club have valued the former Liverpool star at £92million.
Coutinho, base on his exploits during in days with Liverpool, seems very much the big-money buy Chelsea might make these days, particularly with the fact that the Blues will be in need of an upgrade when Eden Hazard leaves the club.
2) Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
Griezmann has been one the best forwards in world football for very long and it’s surprising not to see more rumours surrounding his future with the La Liga giants.
The one-time Arsenal target can play a variety of attacking positions and could be Chelsea’s best replacement if they lose Hazard to Real Madrid.
Griezmann would probably be one of the most expensive options for Chelsea to consider, so the move for the World Cup winner might be a tad ambitious for the west London club.
3) Nabil Fekir (Olympique Lyonnais)
Few months back, the Telegraph linked Nabil Fekir as a transfer target for Chelsea after his proposed move to Liverpool failed, stating he could in attacking midfield, with Hazard being deployed up front.
But with Hazard now leaving, it could make sense for the Lyon star to come in as a direct replacement for Hazard on that side of the pitch instead.
Fekir is one of the top players in Ligue 1 and he seems ready to make the step up to a bigger club and more competitive league.