New reports coming from AS have stated that Real Madrid have agreed a deal in principle to sign Chelsea winger Eden Hazard in the summer. The report claims that Real Madrid have beaten competition from Paris Saint-Germain to secure the services of the Belgian winger.
Hazard who was Premier League player of the season last year has endured a dreadful season this year. Hazard who scored 19 goals and bagged 12 assists in the title-winning season under Jose Mourinho has been a pale shadow of his former self, having scored just twice in the Premier League this season.
The 25-year-old's undeniable talent means that he still commands a healthy transfer fee though, with the Spanish outlet claiming that the Blues are demanding a sum in the region of £78m (€100m)
Some reports have also suggested that there could be a swap deal involving James Rodriguez who himself has struggled to be at this best for Real Madrid this season. A swap deal involving these two huge stars could become the transfer of the summer.
Eden Hazard is my third favourite player: Zidane
France legend Zinedine Zidane has hailed Chelsea winger Eden Hazard as ‘spectacular’ and also revealed that he is his third favourite footballer in the world currently reports Eurosport. Zidane has said that Hazard is wonderful to watch and feels that he is only behind world football royalty, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The 24-year-old has been constantly linked with a move to Zidane’s Real Madrid recently. Chelsea’s struggles in the Premier League this season has only added to these speculations. It is also believed that French champions Paris Saint-Germain have also expressed their interest in acquiring the Belgian’s services.
"After (Cristiano) Ronaldo and (Lionel) Messi, Hazard is my favourite player. It is spectacular to watch him play," Zidane said.
"If I see him playing for Real Madrid? I can only say I love the player.”
"I have no doubt he will soon recover his form."
Hazard: I would love to play under Zidane
Eden Hazard says he would love to work with current Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane, one day but insists that he's happy at Chelsea. The Belgian has had a start-stop season at the Bridge with frequent injuries and some poor form but insists that he's willing to fight for his place and make his mark in London.
"I always liked Zidane. Now I know the player by heart but don't know the coach at all, even if he's started very well at the Bernabeu. I'm also still under contract at Chelsea and I feel very good there."
When asked if he'd like to play under the Frenchman one day, he added: "Yes of course. When I was little, I watched him on television and the internet for hours. I talked Zidane and I ate Zidane.”