Chelsea Transfer News: Antonio Conte on Eden Hazard Rumours, Nemanja Matic Sale

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has laughed off suggestions Eden Hazard could leave the club this summer and said his star will remain at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, the Blues chief suggested Nemanja Matic's sale to Manchester United was not his decision.

Prior to Sunday's FA Community Shield clash against Arsenal, Conte was asked for his take on gossip circulating that Hazard could leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

While laughing, he replied, per the Daily Star's Luke Gardener: “We are trying to buy the players, not to sell them. Otherwise the number is always less and we are in trouble. These are rumours. Eden is very happy to stay with us and to start the new season.”

Hazard, 26, is well on his way to writing his name into the Chelsea history books and once again proved himself to be a key element behind last season's Premier League title tilt, as illustrated by Squawka:

Gardener also cited Barcelona's apparent interest in his signature after the Catalan club lost talisman Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain, with Hazard emerging as a potential successor to the Blaugrana's left-wing conundrum.

It appears Conte is immovable in his stance when it comes to star man Hazard, who has more than pace and trickery in common with Neymar. WhoScored.com detailed his penchant for drawing fouls also:

Elsewhere, the Chelsea tactician aimed a jibe at the club for their decision to sell midfielder Matic to United. When quizzed on why the club chose to sell the Serb to a direct rival, per the Mirror's Darren Lewis, Conte said: “You have to ask the club about this.”

Rather than take account for the loss himself, the Italian laid the burden squarely at the doorstep of Chelsea's hierarchy, and Lewis made sure to note the response was given "abruptly," while suggesting it wasn't his call.

United manager Jose Mourinho has reunited with a player who helped him win the Premier League title in 2014-15 and was an instant impact star after re-signing with the Blues from Benfica.

Goal's Nizaar Kinsella recently commented on the contrast between how fans often comment on central midfielder Matic compared with his current and past coaches, who clearly appear to rate him highly:

BBC Sport reported the Red Devils paid £40 million to sign Matic on a three-year contract, a fee that, in today's market, could prove to be of extreme worth if it opens up Mourinho's tactical possibilities in midfield.

Conte will undoubtedly be one of the first people to feel regret over his sale in the event United do prove Matic's worth, although the Chelsea chief will perhaps be absolved of any responsibility in the sale.