Maurizio Sarri has opened up about Eden Hazard’s contract situation. Questions were aplenty at the Italian’s pre-match press conference, ahead of Chelsea’s visit to Wolves.
Maurizio Sarri Reveals Eden Hazard Contract Talks
Speculation about Hazard’s future has been a huge talking point for the past two years. Every transfer window, the Belgian is linked with a move to Real Madrid. Chelsea have so far held firm and, despite Hazard appearing undecided, the Blues would like nothing more than to tie their star-man to a long-term contract.
Now things are moving on, with Chelsea keen to sort out the situation as soon as possible. Hazard’s current deal runs through to the end of next season. There is no way Chelsea will want to lose the former Lille man for free.
Maurizio Sarri has now publicly spoken about the situation, revealing the club have made an offer. The former Napoli manager told the press conference: (via Sky Sports)
“The club is available to sign a new contract immediately, but it’s up to him if he wants to renew or not”
Food for thought for the Belgium international. Should he agree a new deal to stay at Stamford Bridge, any chance of a move to Real will be over, unless the European Champions were to part with what would most likely be a world-record transfer fee.
Sarri has made no secret of his desire to keep Hazard in West London and reiterated that stance:
“I want Eden here, of course, but I want him here if he wants to stay here”
“I know very well that there are discussions between the club and the manager of Eden every week, I think,”
Sarri Taking a Risk Going Public
It’s unusual for a manager to be so vocal over contract talks, particularly as Chelsea do have a habit of keeping such news under wraps. Sarri has taken this stance in the hope of resolving the issue quickly. On the flip side, it could be seen as a dangerous tactic, with Hazard maybe feeling he’s having his hand forced to respond. The best thing the Belgian can do now is knuckle down and perform to the best of his ability.
January could prove to be a long month for Chelsea fans. Eden Hazard is currently irreplaceable. The sooner the contract situation is dealt with, the better all involved with feel.
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