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Eden Hazard: Chelsea’s stunning transfer fee demand to Real Madrid revealed
CHELSEA demanded Real Madrid paid £172m for Eden Hazard last summer, reports in Spain claim.
On Saturday, Spanish newspaper Marca claimed Real Madrid are on the verge of signing the Belgium international.
They claimed Real Madrid are on the verge of reaching an agreement to sign the 28-year-old, which ‘will be sealed in the coming days.’
Eden Hazard's stellar form this season means he’s likely to cost last season’s Champions League winners upwards of £150million.
However, Chelsea are said to have already named their asking price for their talisman.
According to Marca, Real Madrid tried to lure Hazard away from Stamford Bridge last summer.
Chelsea were willing to part company with the Belgian, but only if they received £172million (€200m).
The Blues will likely demand the same fee this summer for their star winger.
Real were keen on snapping up the former Lille man but weren’t willing to meet Chelsea’s hefty valuation.
Chelsea were willing to part company with the Belgian, but only if they received £172million (€200m)
Given Hazard’s imperious form this season, in which he’s scored 17 goals and picked up 12 assists, Chelsea could very well pocket more than their initial asking price.
News of Hazard’s seemingly impending move to the Bernabeu came less than 24 hours after Real boss Zinedine Zidane hailed Chelsea’s main man.
"Hazard is a player who I have always rated, who has played in France, and I saw a lot of,” Zidane said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Real’s La Liga clash with Eibar.
"He is a fantastic player."
Chelsea’s strike force will be greatly depleted should Hazard end his seven-year stay in west London.
Former Blues star Joe Cole believes it's imperative his old side retain the midfielder’s services, recently telling the Daily Mirror: “I said when he signed that he would be the greatest player the club has ever had and I still stand by that.
“I still believe that.
“My team-mates and my colleagues have been amazing but Eden is the best player I've ever worked with.
“When you look at what he's done in the short space of time that he's been there.
"He's been an unbelievable player.
“I think he's the best player in the league and I think he's a top, top player and it's important the club keep hold of him.”
Hazard and his Chelsea team-mates will be back in action on Monday night, welcoming their London rivals West Ham to Stamford Bridge.