Arsenal are ready to rival Newcastle United in the race to sign Real Madrid’s unwanted superstar Eden Hazard.
According to Foot Mercato, Eden Hazard could be on the verge of a potential return to the Premier League in the summer. The Real Madrid winger is rated highly by English clubs despite his struggles in Spain. And with that in mind, there are multiple clubs that are keen on bringing the talented attacker back to English shores.
Newcastle United have been regarded as a potential destination for Hazard next season, as the Magpies have acquired deep coffers and would be willing to splash the cash on strengthening their attack. However, it appears they are set to face stiff competition from league rivals Arsenal in the pursuit of the Belgian international.
The report suggests Arsenal have initiated contact with Real Madrid, enquiring about the possibility of signing Hazard in the summer transfer window. It appears the Belgian has emerged as a potential option in Mikel Arteta’s plans to add some significant firepower to his attacking unit next season.
The 31-year-old was one of the top performers in the Premier League during his time at Chelsea. In just 245 top-flight appearances, he scored 85 goals while bagging 61 assists. His contributions were vital in helping the Blues win two Premier League titles.
Hazard’s success earned him a move to Real Madrid in 2019. But the Belgian has struggled to live up to expectations, with his progress at the Santiago Bernabeu being marred by injuries. It has restricted his overall number of appearances to only 65, with the attacker scoring only six goals during that period.
Hazard’s struggles at Real Madrid haven’t deterred Arsenal, though, as the Gunners are keen on snapping him up in the January transfer window. It appears Arteta has identified him as a potential replacement for Nicolas Pepe, who is likely to leave the club after failing to live up to his hefty price tag.
However, Arsenal cannot underestimate the challenge from Newcastle United. The Magpies, after all, are soon set to become one of the richest clubs in Europe, and with the Gunners being a direct rival of Hazard’s former club Chelsea, it would not be surprising to see the Belgian opt to move St James’ Park in the summer.
