Real Madrid have been following Chelsea star duo Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois and the Blues’ failure to qualify for the next season’s Champions League could make it difficult for the west London club to retain the Belgians.
Well, at least according to claims from Spain.
Antonio Conte’s side finished fifth in the league table behind fourth placed Liverpool. The Italian manager’s failure to help his side finish in the top four will see them play in the Europa League next season.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, Real are looking at the option of signing Hazard and Courtois. The forward’s contract at Stamford Bridge runs down in 2020, while the goalkeeper has one year left on his current deal.
The two Chelsea stars are yet to commit their future to the Premier League club. Real are also said to be chasing PSG’s world-record signing Neymar, who could cost them more than €300m this summer.
Chelsea’s failure to qualify for Europe’s elite club competition has put several clubs on alert in signing Hazard, according to the claims. AS report Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City may be interested in signing the Blues star and can provide competition for Real in signing Hazard.
Courtois, on the other hand will be a free agent next summer, if he decides against signing a new deal. So, the 2018 summer transfer window will be the last option for Chelsea to earn big from his sale. The keeper’s market value is around €60m.
Kiko Casilla will leave Real Madrid, meaning they have to bring in a new keeper in the summer. Florentino Perez could even replace Keylor Navas or bring in a player to provide him more competition for a place in the starting XI.
This is an opportunist transfer rumour from AS, and it remains to be seen if Real Madrid fancy taking advantage of any opportunity on offer.
