5 quality options Chelsea could look to if they lose Eden Hazard this summer

Chelsea star Eden Hazard is currently in the worst form of his life. After having won several personal accolades at the end of last season, the Belgian’s career has taken a major swerve, leading many to suggest that he might be on his way out of Stamford Bridge.Real Madrid is obviously the top destination, with Zinedine Zidane having recently taken over. But now hit with a transfer ban, the Spanish giants may be forced to sit back and watch while Paris Saint-Germain – or some other club with adequate funding – swoops for the winger.Hazard may yet regain his form at Chelsea this season and he could very well see out his contract, regardless. But here are five other feasible quality options the club could consider if their No.10 decides to move on.

#1 Vitolo

Vitolo has a great pace and ball control

This Spanish right-footed left winger currently plays for La Liga outfit Sevilla, having started out at Las Palmas.

Albeit not much of a dribbler, Vitolo is still great at taking defenders on. He seems to prefer passing his way out of trouble – which he does pretty well – than attempting to wriggle free using his own footwork.

He isn’t as flashy as Hazard, however, he is a dependable player with a great pace and ball control. Vitolo doesn’t get on the score-sheet often and could certainly improve his numbers in the goal-scoring department, but in spite of that fact, he does have a huge impact on games as a result of his creative passing ability and intelligent movement.

The 26-year-old attacker also works hard on the other end of the pitch, tracking back to break up play and initiate attacks from deep.

Although, the Hazard of last season is a better offensive weapon, Vitolo is still a quality alternative.

#2 Dries Mertens

Mertens is an absolute wizard on the dead ball

At 28 years old, Napoli winger Dries Mertens isn’t exactly a player who could be considered a long-term replacement. But he can still give Chelsea at least five years of top level football.

Mertens – who is also Belgian – shares many similarities with Hazard, even a slight resemblance and near identical build. While he isn’t as popular or decorated as his international teammate, this player is a wonderful alternative to last season’s Premier League Player of the Year.

He is just as exciting as the Chelsea man, possessing pace, creativity and skill on the ball. He is also able to take players on one-on-one, dribble his way out of trouble and has great scoring ability. Mertens would also offer the Blues a dimension that Hazard doesn’t – superb free-kick ability.

He is an absolute wizard on the dead ball, and would surely compete with Willian for control over set pieces. With a few good performances early on, Mertens could make Chelsea fans forget about Hazard completely.

#3 Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is known for his pinpoint accuracy as a passer

The Armenian currently wears the No.10 jersey for Borussia Dortmund and has been near perfect in his role to date. Also the captain of his national side, Henrikh Mkhitaryan is his country’s leading goalscorer, having scored 16 times in 55 appearances.

He finds the back of the net quite regularly at club level as well, scoring 11 goals in 21 appearances for BVB this season. The midfielder has a penchant for outside shooting, and almost every strike turns out to be a screamer.

Known for his pinpoint accuracy as a passer, Mkhitaryan has exhibited remarkable chance creation. His talent commands attention from defenders, and that works out well for his teammates, as he constantly draws them out to create space.

He can also get around the opposition with his quick feet and nimbleness, but when not on the ball, he is still quite dangerous, as his timing and movement are always on point.

This player does seem like he has what it takes to shine in the Premier League. He would be a great replacement for Hazard if the Belgian does leave soon.

#4 Nicolas Gaitan

Nicolas Gaitan is able to score from almost anywhere

Benfica’s Nicolas Gaitan would be an ideal replacement for the struggling Hazard. The Argentine winger is blessed with pace, close control and superb vision.

At 27 years old, Gaitan still has a few good years ahead of him and could really contribute to Chelsea’s cause.

He is able to score from almost anywhere and loves shooting from outside the box. Gaitan is an inventive and unselfish player who can get on the end of a cross with a back-heeled flick just as good as he can use his head.

Able to get past multiple defenders with ease, Gaitan is a running bag of tricks. He is also adept at getting into scoring positions in the box, almost similar to Chelsea great Frank Lampard.

If the Blues ever get him to Stamford Bridge, they would have an equally exciting player on their hands.

#5 Marco Reus

Reus has a real eye for goal

The German international also plies his trade at Borussia Dortmund, but would be an unbelievable addition to the Premier League if he ever made the switch.

He is surely a player whom Chelsea will be unable to overlook if Hazard makes an exit at the end of the season.

The 2012 German Player of the Year is a talented attacking midfielder who could also play as a striker or winger on either flank. He has great acceleration, technical ability and a real eye for goal. He has scored 10 goals in 17 appearances for his team this season and would have no difficulty finding the back of the net on a regular basis in England.

There is so much that Reus could offer Chelsea’s attack. His versatility would give them way more options as a team, making them even more formidable.

The Blues haven’t had an influential and productive German in their squad since Michael Ballack. Reus could be even better.