Real Madrid are reportedly lining up a move for West Ham United superstar Felipe Anderson as a potential alternative to priority target Eden Hazard.
Eden Hazard has always been tipped for a move to Real Madrid. But, Real Madrid are not taking anything for granted. The struggling La Liga giants are lining up alternatives, should the Belgian opt to stay at Chelsea beyond the summer, with West Ham United superstar Felipe Anderson on the radar, Sky Sports report.
Maurizio Sarri’s troubles in 2019 at Chelsea meant increase in speculation linking Eden Hazard to a transfer. And, with Zinedine Zidane now back at the helm at Real Madrid, the links gained traction. But, the transfer ban slapped at Chelsea by the governing body for breaking rules while signing youth players has changed the entire dynamic.
While the Blues can eke in a transfer window during the summer with an appeal, the probability is low. This means Chelsea will be desperate to hold on to their current superstars and could price Hazard at a level that puts off Real Madrid and other potential suitors.
The report from Sky Sports does mention that Chelsea have already rejected an offer of around £60 million from Real Madrid and are likely to demand around double the initial amount.
Real Madrid are thus, laying down contingency plans for the summer already. One of the names that have come up as an ideal alternative to Eden Hazard is fellow Premier League star Felipe Anderson. The Brazilian is also plying his trade in London, albeit for West Ham United.
Anderson, like Hazard, is a left-sided winger and is explosive on the pitch, when it comes to dribbling past opposition and contributing towards the team’s goals and overall cause. The 25-year-old has a return of 8 goals and 4 assists in the league this season and has featured in every single Premier League game since joining the Hammers.
The Brazilian is a key component in the West Ham side and has a contract with the Hammers that runs till 2022. While it would be a battle to convince West Ham to let go of Anderson, Real Madrid are ready to lodge a bid of an amount similar to the reported initial bid for Hazard that was rejected, with Sky Sports stating that the La Liga giants are looking to get a deal done at £65 million.
West Ham are trying to forge a team good enough to challenge for the top six and will do everything they can to retain Felipe Anderson. But, interest from Real Madrid could be hard to resist for Felipe Anderson and perhaps, for West Ham, if Los Blancos do come in with a bid of the aforementioned amount.
