Even a world record bid will not persuade Chelsea to sell prized asset Eden Hazard this month.
It is understood Chelsea would have listened to offers for the brilliant Belgian this summer, and they had anticipated Real Madrid doing so – but their fee of close to £200million, was enough to put off the Spanish giants.
Madrid had wanted to sign Hazard along with fellow countryman Thibaut Courtois – who made the move from Stamford Bridge to the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this summer.
In theory, Real could still sign Hazard with over a week left in the transfer window for Spanish clubs – but as Chelsea couldn’t sign a replacement they won’t entertain an offer, even if it was in excess of £200million.
New Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri also feels he can get the best out of Hazard, and feels they could have huge success.
“Eden will be with us for this season. Why am I sure? Because Chelsea are one of the most important clubs in Europe. I think one of the most important clubs in Europe cannot sell an important player without the possibility of buying a player on the same level,” said Sarri.
“Eden can improve. We are talking about one of the most important players in Europe but he can improve more. He can be the first. It depends on him. The best for technical skill, the best for scoring but I think it depends only on him. On his mind.”
As it stands, Bookmakers do not see Hazard leaving as likely – but should he leave, then Real are firm favourites with PaddyPower listing them at 3/1.