Eden Hazard Contract Negotiations Reportedly a 'Priority' for Chelsea

Chelsea reportedly have yet to open contract negotiations with star winger Eden Hazard, but the club sees sorting out a new deal for the Belgian as a priority. 

Kristof Terreur of Het Laatste Nieuws reported on the situation:

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport recently reported Chelsea had made an offer to Hazard, but Terreur pointed out the former Lille man has stated no proposal has arrived:

The 27-year-old has started the 2018-19 campaign in splendid form and has already bagged seven goals and three assists in the Premier League. The forward is thriving under new manager Maurizio Sarri and has played a huge part in the Blues' run to the top of the standings.

But his great form has been accompanied by renewed speculation linking him with Real Madrid, and Hazard has only fuelled the talk by repeatedly stating that he wants to play for Los Blancos one day.

In an interview with BT Sport, he explained how badly he wanted the move during the summer but how he's happy to stay in west London as well (h/t Mirror's Tom Hopkinson):

"I'll tell you the truth: after the World Cup I wanted to leave.

"It's my dream to play in Spain.

"I could stay at Chelsea for the rest of my career but there is also the possibility that I can leave in a year or two.

"But I love Chelsea and the city. It will be easy to stay at Chelsea. This club is now part of my life."

His contract situation gives him options. Hazard's deal runs until 2020, so the upcoming negotiations will be pivotal.

If there's no new agreement by the summer, clubs will undoubtedly try their luck with the Blues, knowing they will have to contemplate cashing in or risk losing him for free at the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

Chelsea appear determined to keep him at Stamford Bridge:

The positivity surrounding the club under Sarri could be key to convincing Hazard to stay, and Real's struggles will also aid the Blues. Los Blancos' poor attacking form could convince the European champions to go all out for the Belgian, however, and the Spaniards have never been afraid to spend big to get what they want.