Chelsea are reportedly planning to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as a replacement for Eden Hazard, who could possibly leave the club next summer.
Hazard’s future has come under intense speculation in recent weeks, with the Daily Mail reporting the Belgium international has decided his mind to leave the club next summer.
Following the appointment of Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid, speculation is rife that the Frenchman will be eager to add Hazard to his squad as he has previously stated his admiration for the highly rated Belgian winger, per Matt Law in the Telegraph.
“I have no doubts he’ll be back. After Messi and Ronaldo, Hazard is my favourite player. It is spectacular to see him play. Do I see him going to Real Madrid? I love the player, that’s all I will say”
Hazard has had a poor season with Chelsea in 2015-16, where he has failed to score in the Premier League.
2289 – Eden Hazard has now gone 2289 minutes without a goal for Chelsea in all competitions. Withdrawn.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 3, 2016
Premier League rivals, Manchester United, have also reportedly registered an interest in the 25-year-old winger. According to Jeremy Cross in the Daily Star, Manchester United are prepared to offer £65m for Hazard, as they understand getting either of Ronaldo and Gareth Bale from Real Madrid is next to impossible.
According to the Sun, the Belgium International is undecided on his future, and Chelsea have earmarked Oxlade-Chamberlain as a potential replacement, in case Hazard leaves the club.
Despite going through a torrid spell this season – Hazard is still Chelsea’s one of the key players, and the club will try to keep him at the club for years to come.
Chelsea are expected to demand a huge money for Hazard, should any transfer situation arise, while the Blues will need to sign a big-name player to fill his void.
Ox-Chamberlain is a highly talented player, no doubt, but the 22-year-old hasn’t quite proved his quality at a consistent level.
He is a already a regular for the England national team, and has been at Arsenal for four years, but he hasn’t been able to cement his position yet in the squad. He is a terrific talent, but has struggled to live up to his potential. His versatility can be his biggest weakness as he has yet to find his ideal position in the side.
He is not at all a like for like replacement for Hazard. Wenger has been extremely patient with him, and he will be unlikely to sell him to a direct rival team.
Chelsea targeting Barcelona starlet Xavi Simons
While Chelsea may not have a big reputation of bringing players to the senior team from the club’s youth academy, their system of signing young talented players, and then either sending them on loan or selling permanently has reaped huge financial profits for them.
The Blues have been keeping track on the progress of Barcelona starlet Xavi Simmons for a while, but per Daily Mail, the real interest in the 12-year-old midfielder has increased since he impressed in the prestigious La Liga Promises tournament, held last month in Miami.
This Under 12s competition has a reputation as the first reliable glimpse of the best emerging Spanish talent. Andres Iniesta was snapped up by Barcelona after impressing in it for Albacete.
Xavi is the son of Regillio Simons, a former striker and current coach in the Eredivisie, the Barca youngster has been attracting attention from Premier League giants Chelsea.
“Agents are everywhere,’ said Simons Snr. “Even at a younger age they were starting to approach me making offers for Xavi, asking to be his agents, offering shoes and contracts and money like you can’t imagine.
“We have spoken to Chelsea and you know it’s going to be good money at Chelsea.”
Papy Djilobodji wanted by Stuttgart
The Senegal defender joined Chelsea on the transfer deadline day, and it seems his time at the club could come to an abrupt end.
The 26-year-old has yet to make any appearances in the Premier League since he made his move to Stamford Bridge from French side Nantes.
According to reports from L’Equipe (h/t 101 Great Goals), Bundesliga side Stuttgart are willing to offer an escape for Djilobodji, who is also attracting interest from Turkish club Besiktas.
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
