If Antonio Conte was already experiencing a frustrating summer at Chelsea, then losing Eden Hazard might just send him over the edge.
The Belgian has long been linked with Real Madrid and while his stock had deteriorated considerably last summer, he has since been able to rediscover his best form.
Los Blancos could well step up their efforts to sign the Blues’ star if their pursuit of Kylian Mbappe fails; Monaco are refusing to budge on their extortionate valuation of the 18-year-old, and Leonardo Jardim is understandably reluctant to lose any more players having already seen Bernardo Silva, Tiemoue Bakayoko, and Benjamin Mendy depart.
According to Don Balon, if Real make it clear that they want him, Hazard is more than willing to push for a transfer. Here lies a key difference between the 26-year-old and Mbappe, who isn’t forcing the issue with the principality club.
Hazard is likely to miss the start of the new season with an ankle injury, but Conte has admitted he isn’t optimistic of keeping him if a serious offer from La Liga were to come in.
Speaking to a press conference ahead of the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal, the Chelsea boss said:
“Eden Hazard is a really top player, but I repeat I am the coach and I can give my opinion. But the final decision is always the club’s.”
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