Having failed to qualify for the Champions League, Chelsea are now a club resembling a crashing building but they do have the pull to sign some exciting stars this summer. However, they will now be more worried about keeping star players tied down at Stamford Bridge and one such player, who is now casting a doubt over his Chelsea future is Eden Hazard.
The Belgian international has been the talisman of the Chelsea side ever since he moved to the club back in 2012. He already established himself as a star at Lille and only went on to improve his reputation at Stamford Bridge, helping the club to two league titles and a Europa League trophy. He was named in the UEFA team of the season last year and is easily one of the best playmakers in world football at the moment.
He registered 18 goals and seven assists last season for the Blues, even as he struggled to find his rhythm. However, he still remains the skipper of the Belgian national side and will be one of the players to watch out for in the World Cup in Russia.
He is 27 and is still to hit his peak and the uncertainties at Chelsea might push him away from the club this summer. Real Madrid have been long-term admirers of Hazard while Pep Guardiola is also interested in signing him for Manchester City. Chelsea do not offer UCL football next season and might struggle to keep him if the right offer arrives.
Fuelling the rumours, Hazard spoke about his future in a recent interview and claimed that the future of Antonio Conte at the club is likely to affect his decision. “If we have something new – manager or players – it is always good to know it because I want players that can [help bring success back to] Chelsea next season,” he said, speaking to the media.
The FA Cup victory over Manchester United may have given Chelsea some momentum going into the summer transfer window but if they do not resolve the issues at the club, they are in serious danger of losing more than one first-team stars.
Hazard has been loyal with the Blues and has also consistently won silverware with the club. He has no real reason to quit the club but if names like Real Madrid come calling, he might be tempted to face new challenges.
So Chelsea should quickly resolve their managerial issues and appoint a replacement for Conte, as it will not only help them in their recruitment but will also help star players at the club settle down and pledge their future.
