Eden Hazard could force Chelsea exit for Barcelona move

Chelsea will be forced to sell Eden Hazard this summer should Barcelona solidify their interest in him by way of making a formal offer, according to reports in Spain.

Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo writes today that despite Jose Mourinho’s insistence that his star man will not be heading for a Stamford Bridge exit this summer, Hazard will force a move to the Nou Camp should Barca come calling.

This is merely the latest in an ongoing conveyor belt of speculation which sees the 23-year-old continually linked with a big money move abroad after yet another scintillating campaign last term. However it will naturally alarm Blues fans, and the idea of joining forces with the likes of Neymar and Lionel Messi is obviously one that would appeal to a player of Hazard’s capabilities.

INTEREST FROM PSG

Of course the bulk of rumours so far have been drawn from the notion of Hazard making a lucrative move to France, where Laurent Blanc’s Paris Saint-Germain continue to dominate domestically thanks to their unparalleled financial backing.

The French manager has revealed in recent days that he believes Hazard will have to submit a transfer request to his club for them to allow him to leave, and Mourinho has categorically denied that the winger will be playing at the Parc des Princes next season.

BARCA’S REVAMP

As Mundo reports, Barcelona’s obvious interest in Hazard stems from the desire held by new boss Luis Enrique to conduct a squad reshuffle of his star players. With Francesc Fabregas already having coincidentally made a switch to Chelsea, and the futures of Alexis Sanchez, Pedro Rodriguez, Alex Song and Xavi Hernandez up in the air, it would appear that the wheels have already been set in motion with regards to Barca operating with a revolving door policy in this summer’s transfer window.

Though Hazard isn’t their priority target – they’ve already made it clear they’re desperate for Luis Suarez – his reputation as a world-class asset will no doubt strengthen his appeal in Enrique’s mind.

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WOULD CHELSEA SELL?

Broadly speaking, no. Mourinho’s dream for Chelsea moving forward depends heavily on his team becoming better each year, not weakening themselves with the sale of their best player. If The Special One has any say in the matter whatsoever then Hazard will remain the focal point of his attack, and Roman Abramovich is unlikely to go over his head and consent to a sale due to the player’s popularity with fans.

HAZARD’S AMBITIONS

As has already been discussed, any potential Hazard to Barca deal relies solely on him kicking up a fuss and demanding a move. Though Mundo appears confident he will do such a thing if the interest from his La Liga suitors continues to grow, surely Blues fans would be anticipating that the Belgian international will remain loyal?