Real Madrid make formal approach for Chelsea attacker

Real Madrid have made a formal approach to pursue the services of Chelsea attacker Eden Hazard during the summer transfer window. The Belgium international has been long linked with the reigning European champions and it appears that they have finally stepped up their interest with the return of Zinedine Zidane at the helm.

According to The Telegraph, the Bernabeu giants have indicated their desire to acquire Hazard’s signature shortly after Zidane was reappointed as their head coach. It is added that the Blues value the attacker at around £100m for the summer, but Los Blancos are optimistic of landing their target for a lesser fee, given the Belgian has less than 16 months remaining on his existing deal with the club.

Hazard has regularly talked up the desire of making the dream move to Real Madrid and his ambition of playing under Zidane has been well documented in the past. As such, the Frenchman’s return to the Bernabeu should entice the Belgian, who could be sold by the Blues despite the two-window transfer ban levied on them by FIFA.

At present, the west London side are not permitted to make any signings until the response over an appeal made to FIFA, and this has come as a really disadvantage when compared to other clubs including Real Madrid. Earlier, teams were allowed to make signings so long as an appeal was made to Football’s governing job but Chelsea have themselves admitted their astonishment over the refusal to suspend the sanction during the appeal process.

Still, they have little choice with respect to Hazard, who would be entering the final year months of his contract in the summer. So far, he has shown little indication regarding an extension with the club, and they may find themselves helpless in keeping hold of him beyond the summer, unless they are prepared to risk the option of losing him on a cut-price in January or on a Bosman in around 16 months’ time.

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