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Chelsea should use Eden Hazard’s contract to signal intent

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Eden Hazard of Chelsea reacts during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on December 26, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Eden Hazard of Chelsea reacts during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on December 26, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea and Eden Hazard are reportedly in a contract stalemate. The Blues should do whatever it takes to tie the Belgian down and signal their intent.

With another transfer window just around the corner, the rumour mill is in full flow. Eden Hazard is once again being linked with a move to Real Madrid as contract negotiations have reportedly stalled. Whether the latest reports are true or not, Chelsea must show that they mean business by sorting out Hazard’s future swiftly.

The Telegraph reports that the Blues will offer Hazard eye-watering amounts of money to extend his stay in West London.

"Negotiations will reopen in 2018, when Chelsea will make Hazard an offer in excess of £300,000-a-week in the hope he recommits himself to the club past 2020."

Extending Hazard’s contract will be a serious show of strength from Chelsea. Hazard may well eventually find his way to the Santiago Bernabeu, but a new deal gives the Blues many more options.

Hazard’s transfer value will immediately increase, as is natural with long-term deals. Furthermore, teams like Real Madrid will know they probably need to match or better his new wage to sign him.

Handing Hazard this new contract will also show potential Blues targets that they indeed are looking to compete with the continent’s best. PSG and Manchester City have been splashing the cash while Chelsea have stood relatively still. Extending Hazard’s deal will help to quash doubts over their long-term ambitions.

In an era of big money, ludicrous transfer fees and unfathomable wages, Chelsea have fallen behind. Over the summer they missed out on Romelu Lukaku in what seemed like a monetary decision. It may not be something that Blues fans are regretting at the moment, but it was indicative of the club’s poor efforts to sign the stars Antonio Conte needed.

They have paid the price this season, but now have an opportunity to make amends. Luck will be the Blues’ biggest asset in their knock-out Champions League campaign. By next September, the strength of their squad should be. Chucking money at Hazard is a step in the right direction.

Next: Alex Telles would challenge Marcos Alonso to be starting wing-back

What do you think? Should Chelsea prioritise Hazard’s extension? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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