Three players Chelsea should target to replace Eden Hazard this summer
Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Juventus will surely spark a transfer merry-go-round among other clubs. Real Madrid are already in the market for a replacement and there’s a good chance the club could snap up Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard.
Hazard has often been linked with the club in the past but a move has always failed to materialize. However, Los Blancos could go on and get their man this time.
If that happens, it’ll be Chelsea’s turn to find a replacement for their star performer. Here, we take a look at three players the Blues could sign as a long-term replacement for the Belgian.
Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)
The youngster has been stealing headlines all over the world with his impressive performances. He was excellent for France in the World Cup, scoring 3 goals in 5 appearances and he also lifted the trophy with them.
The striker made the move to Paris Saint-Germain from Monaco just last year and seems well-settled at the club. But that has never stopped anyone before, has it?
At the age of 19, Mbappe has shown immense growth and potential. He is a deadly striker and a clinical finisher in front of the goal. The former Monaco forward made a total of 24 appearances for PSG last season, scoring 13 goals and providing 8 assists. He also scored 4 goals and provided 3 assists in 8 appearances in the Champions League. Those are stunning figures from a teenage striker, eclipsing those Ronaldo’s and Messi’s at the same age.
He may not be a like-for-like replacement for Hazard but he is capable of playing as a winger. Chelsea should certainly make the move for Mbappe.
Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)
The Real Madrid forward was the star of the show in their Champions League triumph against Liverpool in Kiev. Bale scored a brace, including a fantastic bicycle goal that guided Madrid to their third straight Champions League title. Bale has been in sensational form whenever called into action, but the Welshman has often been restricted to a bench role.
Despite Bale’s qualities, his career has been blighted by injury problems. The striker has failed to nail down a regular starting role due to his persistent hamstring issues. The former Tottenham winger made a total of 20 appearances in the La Liga last season, scoring 16 goals and providing 2 assists. Those are good numbers for a player with such limited game time.
Chelsea could sign Gareth Bale and revive his career. The Welshman already possesses the experience of playing in the Premier League, having enjoyed a successful spell with Tottenham Hotspur. His lack of game time could convince the player to make the move.
Marco Asensio (Real Madrid)
The youngster has risen to prominence over the last year. He has been impressive since breaking into the first-team setup at Real Madrid. Asensio made a total of 19 appearances in the La Liga last season, scoring 6 goals and providing 6 assists. Like Bale, Asensio has also failed to secure a regular starting spot at the club. Asensio generally plays as a winger but is also capable of playing in a central attacking role.
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The 22-year-old produced some thunderous goals last season with his long-range ability. He is lightning-fast on the ball and possesses a gem of a left foot. Last year, Asensio signed a new contract that contains a £442 million release clause. However, Chelsea should go ahead and strike a deal for the youngster. He would be a great long-term addition for the club.
