Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Eden Hazard and Virgil van Dijk

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has reportedly urged club owner Roman Abramovich not to sell Eden Hazard to Real Madrid this summer. Conte is said to be determined to have Abramovich and the Blues rebuff Los Blancos' plans to pay as much as £100 million for the prolific winger.

A report from Tony Banks of the Daily Express has revealed how Chelsea's desire for Conte to commit to an improved contract will likely see them accede to his demands:

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Antonio Conte is adamant he wants Hazard to stay—and with the Chelsea board in the midst of talks over a new contract for the Italian which would put him level in the Premier League managerial pay stakes with the likes of Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, they do not want to jeopardise their chances of a successful outcome.

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Banks also made it clear how one of Conte's chief concerns involves being able to retain his core players: "One of the key factors in the negotiations for Conte is not wages but assurances that he will be given the funds to strengthen a side already firm favourites to win the title—and keep the players he has."

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Hazard would certainly count as a key member of the squad that is likely to win this season's Premier League title. The former Lille star has contributed 11 goals and four assists for the leaders in England's top flight, per WhoScored.com.

Such production is likely keeping Los Merengues keen on the 26-year-old. Marca's Jose Felix Diaz recently reported how the 11-time European champions remain committed to the idea of signing Hazard.

Ex-Real president Ramon Calderon added to the rumours when he told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast on TalkSport how Los Blancos would have no trouble paying a triple-digit fee for Hazard.

However, Hazard recently told Chelsea's official website how he and his children are happy with life in London: "My kids are very settled in London, so it could be here. That's a long way off yet so we will see."

There has been speculation the Blues are ready to sign Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez at the end of the season, though. The Guardian's Fabrizio Romano recently reported Sanchez will be Chelsea's primary transfer target this summer.

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Former Gunners striker Ian Wright took to Twitter (h/t Football.London's Sam Inkersole) to express his belief that interest in Sanchez "makes sense" for Chelsea given Real's relentless pursuit of Hazard.

However, Conte would likely, and rightly, prefer a future in which both Hazard and Sanchez are tormenting domestic and European defences for the Blues.

Chelsea Optimistic over Virgil Van Dijk

Chelsea have won the race to sign Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk, according to John Cross of the Daily Mirror.

Cross detailed how Netherlands defender Van Dijk is Conte's top target this summer and called the Blues "supremely confident" about seeing off competition from rivals Manchester City and Liverpool for the player.

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There is no doubt Van Dijk would be a huge asset at Chelsea. The 25-year-old is arguably the best defender in England's top flight. He would instantly become a linchpin of the Blues back three thanks to his mix of physicality and comfort in possession.

Van Dijk is as effective at winning aerial duels as Gary Cahill and can play the ball out with the same level of technical accomplishment as David Luiz. As a natural centre-back, the Saints star would also offer an obvious upgrade on Cesar Azpilicueta, a full-back forced into a central role by Conte's tactical reshuffle earlier this season.

Van Dijk is sure to be a sought-after talent this summer. Chris Bascombe of the Daily Telegraph, recently dubbed Liverpool's chances of using Saints target Mamadou Sakho to help swing a deal as "slim."

However, there are more immediate concerns regarding Van Dijk's fitness. His ankle injury could keep him out for the rest of the season, according to Southampton manager Claude Puel, per the Guardian.

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Any team ready to pay as much as £50 million will need to be sure Van Dijk is back to peak fitness this summer.

If Chelsea could land Van Dijk and Sanchez, along with keeping Hazard, Conte would have a squad primed to dominate the Premier League for years to come.