Chelsea have reportedly started contract talks with star playmaker Eden Hazard and are ready to offer him a massive weekly package of £300,000-a-week in order to convince him to stay at the club and reject a move to Real Madrid.
Hazard has been in sublime form for the Blues this season and the reigning Premier League champions have made it their priority to renew the Belgian’s contract.
Hazard is a key target for Spanish giants Real Madrid and is understood to be keen on a move to the Bernabeu. Real have endured a mixed season and it is expected that the club could undergo a massive overhaul in the summer. One of the top players they are interested in signing is Hazard, who has a contract at Chelsea until 2020.
Despite the forward having two more years remaining on his current deal, Chelsea are desperate to secure his future and are willing to pay around £300,000-a-week plus bonuses, the Daily Mail reports.
The 27-year-old is currently valued at over £200million by Chelsea and his value could see a dip post the upcoming transfer window ahead of the new season. Hazard is understood to be happy at Stamford Bridge but is stalling on signing a new deal to see if Real Madrid are genuinely interested in him.
Real manager Zinedine Zidane is a big admirer of the Belgian star but the Frenchman’s position at the club is in jeopardy after his side’s poor performances in the La Liga this campaign.
Even if Zidane is sacked before next season, the Chelsea board believes Hazard could make the move to Bernabeu but they remain confident of securing a new deal for the 27-year-old. However, one factor could play a decisive role in getting Hazard’s signature. The latest 2-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester United has left the Blues outside of the top four, mounting further pressure on manager Antonio Conte.
Conte’s job is also under threat and with fixtures against Manchester City, Crystal Palace and Barcelona in the next three weeks, the Italian will be hoping for an upturn in his team’s fortunes.
At the end of this season, the final league position would be a crucial factor in Hazard deciding on signing an extension with our club.