Real Madrid are likely to take a huge financial hit should they sanction a transfer for Eden Hazard in the summer, with Arsenal reportedly confident of signing the Belgian winger.
That’s according to AS, who report a quarter of the Galacticos squad are facing uncertain futures at the Santiago Bernabeu. Los Blancos are keen to tear apart Carlo Ancelotti’s side and refresh their ranks, after several stars failed to establish themselves under the Italian.
Marcelo, Isco and Gareth Bale head the queue forming beside the exit door as the trio are out of contract this June. Hazard, meanwhile, is likely to feature on Real Madrid’s transfer list beside Jesus Vallejo, Luka Jovic, Marino Diaz and former Arsenal loanee Dani Ceballos.
Hazard’s time in Madrid is likely ending after three seasons, having failed to live up to his price tag. Los Blancos paid Chelsea an initial £89m, plus at least £60m in add-ons, for the Belgian in 2019 to replace Cristiano Ronaldo. But injuries have plagued his spell in Spain.
This season has proven particularly frustrating for the 31-year-old as he has only managed 877 minutes over 22 appearances. He has also only offered one goal and two assists across all competitions this term. Only one assist came during a La Liga game on the opening day.
Real Madrid likely to want £33.5m for Eden Hazard with Arsenal confident of deal
Real Madrid still have €40m (£33.5m) of the fee paid to Chelsea for Hazard to pay through amortization. Therefore, the Galacticos are unlikely to accept offers for anything below the figure come the summer market, in order not to record a loss in their next set of accounts.
Nonetheless, Defensa Central report Arsenal are confident of agreeing a transfer with Real Madrid for Hazard this year. The Gunners are preparing to open negotiations and hope the good relationship they share with Los Blancos and he shares with Martin Odegaard helps.
Hazard and Odegaard struck a bond during the Norwegian’s time in Madrid before moving to Arsenal on loan. The Belgian – who Jamie Carragher called an ‘absolute superstar’ – also served as a mentor for the 23-year-old, before Mikel Arteta agreed to pay £34m for a deal.
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