After a disappointing 2015/16 season, Eden Hazard has been subjected to rumours of a transfer to Spanish giants Real Madrid, while PSG are another possible destination for the Belgian winger as well.
Hazard has four years left on his contract with Chelsea, and despite the hear-say about his potential transfer, he claims that remaining a Blue is exactly what he wants.
"For now I am at Chelsea (and have) no worries, 100 percent,” he said.
However, relinquishing Hazard would aid Antonio Conte's rebuilding project, because of the heap of cash he would acquire in return. In addition to Hazard, Thibaut Courtois and Diego Costa are rumoured to be players that may leave.
At the heart of Conte’s scheme is a heavy emphasis on wingers. If he decides to put Hazard up for sale, here are FIVE potential replacements for the 2014/15 PFA Player of the Year...
Juan Cuadrado
Cuadrado joined Chelsea in 2015 for £23.3m. However, he struggled to reach top form, and in 14 appearances, failed to score a goal.
The Colombian winger was shipped to Juventus on a loan last year. Cuadrado has indicated he is comfortable in Italy, while it's no secret that the Old Lady are happy to keep him.
However, Antonio Conte wants Cuadrado wearing blue next season.
Many of Hazard’s strengths - outstanding pace, crafty skill and superior athleticism - are mirrored in Cuadrado’s arsenal, too. If the Colombian stays in London and buys into Conte’s plan, he could flourish next season.
Ivan Perisic
The Inter Milan winger is one of the likely successors for Hazard if he leaves Chelsea. Conte has expressed interest in Perisic, and the Croatian has replicated it.
"To be linked to a club like Chelsea and a manager like Antonio Conte is very exciting for Perisic," Perisic’s agent, Tonci Martic, told Goal.
Perisic wouldn’t cost as much as other attackers, such as Antoine Griezmann, so acquiring the versatile attacker could prove beneficial for Conte and his new club, as the Croatian can be used in varying systems. If Diego Costa leaves London, Perisic could fill in as a forward, too.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
One of the Blues’ most sought after players is Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but Chelsea will likely have to compete with several other suitors interested in the speedy 22-year-old. 'The Ox' remains at a standstill with Arsenal, as his knee injury has sidelined him since February.
Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo "is a long-term admirer,” According to Squawka, yet incoming manager, Antonio Conte, however, hasn’t voiced the same unmitigated desire to secure the Englishman.
But for an ageing Chelsea team, securing a budding talent like Oxlade-Chamberlain could prove hugely beneficial in the long term.
Snatching him away from a league rival is just another bonus.
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Radja Nainggolan
Chelsea has expressed interest in signing Radja Nainggolan from Roma. Although not a winger, the Belgian has the potential to become the focus of the team, with his all-action playing style infectious.
With experience on the defensive line, Nainggolan’s rugged, aggressive playing style differs from most in the Londoners' ranks, so if Conte wants to strengthen the midfield, his grit could be useful.
Conte reportedly wants to bring in Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini as well, which is a move could help sway Nainggolan to joining the Blues.
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Joao Mario
Jose Mourinho may no longer patrol the sidelines of Stamford Bridge, but he hasn't escaped entirely. The newly appointed Manchester United manager has reportedly aggressively pushed for Joao Mario, after Chelsea met with his representatives to discuss an offer.
According to A Bola Sporting, Chelsea and Manchester United are battling for the Portuguese midfielder, and the report says the Red Devils are interested in paying the €60m needed to satisfy Mario's release clause.
The 23-year-old midfielder scored seven goals and recorded 12 assists in 40 appearances for Sporting last term.
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