Real Madrid have received a major blow in their pursuit of Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois, with the duo set to sign new contracts with Chelsea.
Eden Hazard, in an interview with Daily Mirror, has confirmed that both him and Thibaut Courtois are on the verge of signing new contract with Chelsea. The confirmation has handed a major blow to Real Madrid, who should all but end their pursuit of the Belgian duo.
Hazard and Courtois have been two of the pillars in Chelsea’s success over the last few years, with the duo’s exploits on either ends of the pitch helping the Blues to two Premier League titles and a League Cup. The Belgian internationals are widely regarded among the best in the world in their respective positions.
This season, Courtois, in particular, has been in fantastic form, keeping 14 clean sheets in 30 outings so far. Hazard, on the other hand, does not quite have the return that he did last season, with 9 goals and 8 assists in 28 appearances. But, he has been the single most instrumental figure in Chelsea’s attacking output.
With both Courtois and Hazard being such key components for one of the best clubs in the world, it is not surprising that they have some very high profile suitors in their pursuit. Among all the clubs that have been linked with the duo, Real Madrid have shown the most concrete of interests, having monitored them for several months now.
Eden Hazard on signing new contract: “Yes, (I’ll sign it) I think Thibaut first. Then I will sign.” #CFC pic.twitter.com/6Rg65ZjyYF
— The Blues (@TheBlues___) January 12, 2018
In attack, the performances of Karim Benzema, as well as the fitness struggles of Gareth Bale have left a lot to be desired, forcing Zinedine Zidane to eye possible reinforcements. With Cristiano Ronaldo struggling to maintain a high level this season, Hazard looks the perfect target for Real Madrid.
On the other end of the pitch, Keylor Navas has blown hot and cold while Kiko Casilla has not shown the kind of form to be the Real Madrid number one. Los Blancos have, thus, been in search of a top shot stopper, with Courtois one of many on their radar.
But, neither Hazard, nor Courtois will be moving to Real Madrid anytime soon, with the former confirming that both him and his compatriot are set to put pen to paper on new deals at Chelsea.
“Yes,” Hazard told Mirror when asked whether he will sign a new deal with the champions. “I think Thibaut first. Then I will sign.”
The confirmation comes as a bitter blow to Real Madrid, who will now have to set their sights elsewhere in search of reinforcements. While Kepa Arrizabalaga is heavily rumoured to be on his way to Santiago Bernabeu, it remains to be seen where the attacking recruitment comes from.
One thing seems to be certain, though. Courtois and Hazard’s long-term future remains at Chelsea, even though the duo have previously admitted, in one way or another, that they would like to move to Real Madrid.
