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Eden Hazard is edging, albeit slowly, to a Real Madrid transfer, and that means the club need to get ready for his arrival.

Some earlier claims had expected an announcement and unveiling to have happened by now, but Chelsea are rightly making sure they get a deal which works for them and allows their player to take the step he wants.

To help maximise the commercial side of an unveiling, it would help Real Madrid to have the shirt number secured from day one. This allows sales to start sales immediately, and helps bring in the most revenue.

Hazard currently wears No.10, but he won’t be getting that at Madrid as Luke Modric, Ballon d’Or holder, already has the squad number. Marca believe there’s no chance that will be changed.

The only shirt number available right now is 16, and it’s pointed out that means nothing to Hazard or Madrid.

It’s a ‘delicate’ situation as a current member of Zinedine Zidane’s squad could be asked to give up his shirt.

Madrid are said to believe No. 7 fits well for both the Chelsea player and his likely new club, and that’s currently held by Mariano.

He’s available for sale so it seems quite possible to take the shirt away. Even if he doesn’t go, or hasn’t gone by the time Hazard is signed, Mariano could be asked to give No. 7 away.