Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Thorgan Hazard and Cesc Fabregas

Borussia Monchengladbach star and former Chelsea forward Thorgan Hazard is reportedly one of the Blues' primary transfer targets. Meanwhile, manager Antonio Conte doesn't want to discuss Cesc Fabregas' future.

According to the Daily Express (h/t the Daily Record's Graeme Young), the Blues are once again preparing a move for a former player, with Conte eyeing Borussia Monchengladbach's Hazard.

TF-Images/Getty Images

The younger Hazard was on Chelsea's books between 2012 and 2015 but never made an official appearance for the senior side, and his loan move to the Bundesliga was made permanent in February of last year.

Per Metro's Chris Davie, the Blues announced they had acquired a buy-back option in the deal, but Monchengladbach sporting director Max Eberl told the Express (h/t Davie) that's not the case:

"

There is no clause. There is also no deadline for anything.

I don’t want to comment on any elements of the contract [but] we also don’t need to make any secrets about it: If we get a top player from Chelsea, then of course Chelsea also have the opportunity, in any form whatsoever, to think about them for themselves again – but they haven’t actively done so!

"

Chelsea have a history of letting players walk and bringing them back at a later date―Nemanja Matic spent several years with Benfica before he returned to Stamford Bridge, and David Luiz returned after a stint with Paris Saint-Germain just last summer.

Hazard seems a likely candidate to join that list, with older brother Eden Hazard shining in north London. The 23-year-old has made a fast start to the 2016-17 campaign, scoring at an impressive rate. Per DW Sports' Stefan Bienkowski, his great production has carried over into Europe:

While Eden is the more creative footballer who can turn a match on its head with a single act of genius, Thorgan is a more conventional forward who uses his vision and athleticism to make a difference.

He's mostly played as a centre-forward this season but has plenty of experience out wide as well, and he would likely be asked to play as a winger at Chelsea.

Here's a look at some of his highlights:

The issue surrounding Hazard's clause and whether it exists or not isn't a deal-breaker―Eberl sounded more than open to negotiating even when he denied the clause exists, and the two clubs have a great working relationship he would likely prefer to keep intact, with Andreas Christensen still at the club.

A more tricky issue may be convincing Hazard to return. The Belgian is one of many youngsters who never got a fair chance at Stamford Bridge, and per German football writer Philip Harmeling, he has no interest in returning:

Even if there is a buyout clause, it won't do the Blues much good if Hazard simply refuses to return to Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Conte has refused to speculate on the future of reported AC Milan target Fabregas, amid rumours the former Arsenal man is a target for a January loan move.

Per Calciomercato.com's Steve Mitchell, Conte said it's “too early” to talk about transfers:

"

I’ve heard all the reports about a move in January but we are only in November and we must concentrate on the present, not the future. It’s too early to talk about the transfer window, Cesc is one of our players and I’m happy to still have him in the team. The important thing is for him to return to his best form

"

Fabregas has barely featured for the Blues this season, and with Chelsea finding their best form in a 3-4-3 system that has no need for a central playmaker, Conte could choose to cash in on the 29-year-old and use the funds to chase a piece that fits his formation like a glove.

The Spaniard still has time to change Conte's mind, however, and the Chelsea boss will likely make a decision by the holiday period.