Incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is planning for life at Stamford Bridge with Eden Hazard. Conte held talks with the Belgium international last week to discuss his future.
And the feeling to emerge from the meeting is that Hazard will remain at Stamford Bridge next season
Conte expressed to Hazard how much he admires his attributes and how he sees him fitting into his plans next season during last week’s talks.
Hazard, privately, believes he will now remain at Chelsea next season.
Chelsea will demand upwards of £70million before even entertaining selling Hazard ahead of next season.
After an indifferent season it is unlikely Chelsea will receive any offers that match their transfer valuation.
Hazard would find it difficult to turn down a switch to Real Madrid, his first choice destination.
But with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale already at the Bernabeu, the Spanish giants are not in need of another attacking midfielder.
Similarly, Hazard does not want to sit on the bench next season.
Paris Saint Germain are interested but are unwilling to match Hazard’s asking price, while the Belgian isn’t keen on a return to France.
Chelsea are willing to sell at least one of their top stars this season in a bid to supplement Conte’s transfer budget.
Oscar and Nemanja Matic are leading contenders to leave this summer – moves which could net the club as much as £70million.
Juventus, Conte’s former clubs, are interested in central midfielder Matic, while Atletico Madrid want to re-sign Diego Costa.
Chelsea will reluctantly listen to offers for Thibault Courtois; but his £55million asking price would prove prohibitive.
Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan is expected to arrive as one of Conte’s first summer signings.
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