Eden Hazard has made a decision on his future – and it doesn’t make for great news for Chelsea fans.
The Blues’ talisman, who has lit up the Premier League since his arrival in 2012, will reportedly tell Stamford Bridge chiefs he wants to move to Real Madrid.
The Telegraph have suggested the Bernabeu hierarchy have given their assurances to Hazard that they will submit an offer in the summer.
But who could Chelsea replace their star player with? talkSPORT.com has explored five potential wingers who could be the ones to fill the Belgian’s boots in west London.
Nabil Fekir (Lyon)
One name who has consistently been linked with a move to the Premier League is Nabil Fekir.
Liverpool had a deal for the attacker all but agreed during the summer transfer window, but Lyon pulled the plug at the eleventh hour – and Chelsea now look to be frontrunners for his signature.
Fekir has continued to impress in the French top-flight this season- notching up seven goals in 17 appearances this campaign.
The 25-year-old is versatile too – he can play in each position across a front three or even as a deep-lying playmaker.
But it’s his technical ability that will be the most attractive asset to Maurizio Sarri – he is superb from dead-ball situations and has the ability to find pockets of space to play in the forwards, which will be key against defences who sit deep to counter Sarri’s possession-based style of football.
One negative of a move for Fekir is he does tend to be sidelined with injuries frequently, particularly with his knee which was reportedly one reason why his Liverpool move fell through.
Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)
Marco Reus has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence for Borussia Dortmund after injury threatened the German into an early retirement.
The 29-year-old has been in stunning form this season – propelling Die Borussen to to the top of the table with 13 goals and six assists so far this campaign.
Reus can play on either flank or as a striker and his ability to find the net, coupled with his pace and directness, could prove to be just what Chelsea need to replace Hazard.
However, his recurring injury problems means he would certainly be a risky addition to the side – and Blues deal-makers may look for a player with an eye on the future as Reus is approaching his 30s.
Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli)
Another option who could be an ideal replacement for Hazard is Lorenzo Insigne.
The 5ft 4″ forward has been linked with a move to Liverpool in recent weeks, with Jurgen Klopp a reported admirer of his talents, but reuniting with Blues boss Sarri could be a better option for the tricky winger.
Insigne is primarily plays off the left, where he starred under Sarri last term when he scored eight goals and assisted 11.
He likes to cut it from the left to use his ferocious right foot and also possesses the ability to beat men with his tricky feet and dribbling skills.
Should Chelsea sign Gonzalo Higuain permanently in the summer and then buy Insigne, ‘Sarri-Ball’ could really be about to hit the big-time in the Premier League.
Hirving Lozano (PSV Eindhoven)
Hirving Lozano is another name who has been linked with a move to the Premier League – with Chelsea showing strong interest in the Mexican in December.
The forward rose to prominence with a string of fine performances for his country at the 2018 World Cup last summer and his impressive form has continued in the Eredivisie for PSV this season.
He is third in the Eredivisie scoring charts and has also tallied up six assists as his side sit at the top of the Dutch first division.
Lozano has also made it clear it’s his dream to move to the Premier League, and after starring against Tottenham in the Champions League in November, he said: “I hope that God, some day, gives me a shot at playing in the Premier League.
“I think the Premier League is great. I think that it would be fabulous to play with any of the clubs, but I would love to play for one of the big clubs. I hope that God gives me the chance.”
Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona)
Another player Chelsea chiefs could look to replace Hazard with is Barcelona attacking midfielder Coutinho.
The Brazilian hasn’t hit the same heights he did at Liverpool since making his dream move to Catalonia – having only recorded four goals and two assists in 20 LaLiga appearances.
However, there is no doubting he is a hugely talented player and his Premier League experience may make him a viable option to explore.
The Independent have reported that Chelsea are very seriously considering a move for the playmaker as their prime replacement for Hazard.
Coutinho recently revved up speculation on his future, claiming: “Nobody knows what will happen in the future,” when speaking to beIN Sports.