Chelsea Transfer News: Eden Hazard's Camp Reportedly Encourage Real Madrid

Real Madrid are said to be increasingly confident of landing Chelsea forward Eden Hazard in a potential world-record transfer this summer. 

That's according to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, who has stated the European champions are "getting encouragement from [the] star's camp" regarding a possible move. It's suggested Madrid want to include Alvaro Morata in a possible £120 million package for Hazard.

According to Cross, while the Blues are ready to offer Hazard a £300,000-a-week contract in an attempt to keep him at the club, there is uncertainty about whether he will remain with Antonio Conte's table-toppers.

"... Hazard's own team-mates are unsure whether he will push to go, because the Bernabeu giants have launched a full scale assault to get him," the report continued. "Real Madrid have made no secret of their desire to sign the Belgium international, and president Florentino Perez and coach Zinedine Zidane are both on the same page in trying to make a deal."

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Naturally, losing Hazard would be a significant blow for Chelsea, as he's been magnificent for the Blues in 2016-17. Per Kristof Terreur of Het Laatste Nieuws, the 26-year-old is having a fine campaign in front of goal:

Indeed, there's a been a renewed composure about Hazard this term, having fallen a long way short of his own high standards in 2015-16.

Given freedom in Conte's 3-4-3 setup the winger has thrived. Off the left flank he is so dangerous, able to burst around the outside of full-backs or drift infield to link up with team-mates. It's his class and confidence when he gets into these areas that sets him apart from any player in the division.

It's also why Madrid may be keen to sign him. Given the gravitas of the Spanish giants, it's interest that will concern some Chelsea supporters, but Conte shrugged off such speculation last month, per Liam Twomey of ESPN FC:

Still, Hazard is one of a few footballers in the game with the ability to improve Madrid's attacking play. 

So it's easy to see how Hazard could force his way into Zidane's setup if he was to join, despite the competition.

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It's competition that has cast doubts over the future of Morata, who could reportedly move the other way, according to Cross. As noted by Squawka Football, despite being a fringe player at the Bernabeu, the striker has been potent in front of goal:

Although Morata would potentially thrive under Conte and give Chelsea a different option in the final third, he's not the kind of player that could fill the massive void left by Hazard.

With the UEFA Champions League set to be back on the agenda at Stamford Bridge next season and potentially another Premier League title in the trophy cabinet, Chelsea will not want to undo recent progress by losing Hazard. But, typically, if Madrid really want a player, they tend to get him.

This article will be updated to provide more information on this story as it becomes available.

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