Real Madrid Transfer News: Chelsea's Eden Hazard Targeted, Lucas Biglia Rumours

Real Madrid have set their sights on the purchase of Chelsea superstar Eden Hazard as they look for their next Galactico signing. 

Spanish football website Fichajes (h/t Mark Brus of Metro) believe Los Blancos president Florentino Perez wants to sign the Belgium attacker next summer before his value rockets to new levels. 

Hazard has had a shocking start to the new season, with Chelsea languishing in the wrong half of the Premier League after their run to the title last term. 

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The diminutive forward was central to the Blues' success in 2014-15, but he has since lost his starting berth as manager Jose Mourinho looks to get back to winning ways. 

The former Real Madrid coach has openly criticised the 24-year-old, explaining why he is currently not in his match selection, as reported by Adam Bate and Joel Barnett of Sky Sports:

"

I left out Hazard because we are conceding lots of goals. We need to defend better. When you don't have the ball, quality means nothing and what means [thumps chest]... you have or you don't have.

It was just a tactical decision, leaving super quality on the bench, but bringing tactical discipline and hoping that the team could be solid. Willian and Pedro did amazing defensive work and allowed the midfield players to be very comfortable. I continue that way, or he comes in our direction and tries to replicate the same work that Willian and Pedro did.

"

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Mourinho's teams have always put discipline before flair, and it appears Hazard is now the victim of his own success. Last year, the player performed consistently as they cantered to the title, but now Chelsea's defence of the trophy has collapsed, it is the less robust Belgian who has made way. 

The Special One's move is likely to be a temporary measure, but Hazard's absence will have been noted by Perez, who will begin the charm offensive long before the summer transfer window opens. 

Cristiano Ronaldo is now 30, and Perez will want a global name to fill his boots when he eventually vacates his throne at the Bernabeu. 

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Hazard is the perfect choice, favouring the left side of the attack, much like CR7 does. 

The attacker might not produce statistics in the mould of Ronaldo, but his contributions are impressive all the same.

Last year, Hazard scored 14 goals and provided nine assists in 38 Premier League appearances, according to WhoScored, and he can increase these numbers in Real's haven of attack. 

Miguel Delaney of ESPNFC believes Chelsea are not playing their cards right with Hazard at present, inadvertently pushing him into the arms of Perez:

"

For one, there's the potential danger in Mourinho alienating his best player and one so conspicuously coveted by many big clubs. It's just so unnecessary and extreme, this time greatly deflecting attention from the champions' recently rare durability.

Those close to Hazard say that even though many within the Chelsea squad are no longer enamoured by the manager, the Belgian was not one of them. Sources say he was "on Mourinho's side," but those same sources now say that knowing Hazard, the unnecessary nature of this treatment could change that.

"

The next few weeks will dictate Hazard's long-term ambitions at Chelsea, and if Mourinho fails to integrate him back into his tactics, it won't be a surprise for him to look for pastures new, away from west London.

Liverpool and Madrid Want Biglia

Real Madrid will face the competition of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool for the services of defensive midfielder Lucas Biglia, with Valencia also eyeing up the player. 

Fichajes (h/t Brus) report the Reds will fight Los Blancos for the Lazio ace, despite not making a formal approach for the Argentinian.

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The article claims the 29-year-old is currently unhappy in the Italian capital, and he favours a move to Spain if his options fall open. 

However, the influence of Klopp could spice up his eventual destination, with the German's exceptional reputation sure to attract talent in January.

Biglia would be a good squad option for Madrid, fitting the profile of the kind of player new coach Rafael Benitez likes.

But it is the thought of Hazard that will be getting Madridistas excited for next summer.

Perez will not stop in his pursuit of the best talent on the planet, previously adding Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez despite the continued presence of Ronaldo. 

Hazard is built for La Liga and the usual style of the Galacticos, but with Benitez in charge, the coach might prefer a midfielder with increased awareness from box to box.