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Chelsea news: Eden Hazard has already decided where he will play next season - big claim
CHELSEA star Eden Hazard has already decided where his future lies beyond this season.
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That is the opinion of Sky Sports pundit, Arsenal hero and Chelsea fan Paul Merson.
Hazard has repeatedly been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in recent months.
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The Belgian is out of contract in the summer of 2020 and he has previously stated his desire to play for Real Madrid.
Hazard this week claimed he would make a decision at the end of the campaign whether he would stay or leave Chelsea.
As a Chelsea fan I just don’t think you could knock him if he went
However, Merson reckons he has already made his mind up and is set to quit the west London club.
The former England international says Chelsea fans should have no complaints if he joined a La Liga giant.
Asked if he thinks Hazard has already made a decision, Merson said: “I would say yes.
“I would say yes because when you’re talking like that it’s just leaving the door open.
“I think he will play and enjoy his football like he is at the moment.
“I think he is the best in the Premier League in my opinion.
“I think he’s the only player in the league who can get the ball on the halfway line and beat three players and score on a consistent basis.
“He’s up there in the top five in the world of football.
Bruce Buck: Chelsea will do everything to entice Hazard to stay
“Real Madrid, I think when they come knocking, or even Barcelona because I don’t think [Ousmane] Dembele has really done it, I think he will be on his way.
“As a Chelsea fan I just don’t think you could knock him if he went.”
Eden Hazard scored both goals in the 2-1 Boxing Day win over Watford.
They were his 100th and 101st goals for the Blues.
Chelsea are back in action on Sunday when they visit Crystal Palace (12.00pm).
Palace have 19 points from their 19 games so far this season.