The player contract situation at Chelsea is no longer news but new possible destinations keep emerging for their wantaway stars.
Latest reports from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claims that the European champions could be losing three of their star players to Barcelona in the transfer market.
Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta who has been a Barcelona target since his contract situation was made public is now possibly going to be joined by Real Madrid prime target Antonio Rudiger and United States men’s national team captain, Christian Pulisic.
Mundo Deportivo reports that these names have been submitted to Joan Laporta by Xavi Hernandez as he seeks to rebuild the confidence of his squad with additions that will spark a renaissance.
The defensive duo of Azpilicueta and Rudiger are refusing to sign new deals at Stamford Bridge with their contracts both expiring this summer. Pulisic, on the other hand, is a loan target as the American is looking for more playing time ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar next December.
Injuries have also kept Pulisic out of action for most of the season as the 23-year-old has only played six Premier League games this season. Despite being fit and available for a good run of games, he has now found it difficult to seal a starting berth in Thomas Tuchel’s side.
While Azpilicueta could arrive Barcelona on a free and Pulisic could arrive on loan, Rudiger’s chances of donning the blaugrana colours next season are significantly lower.
The defender is demanding around £400,000-a-week to sign any contract and only Real Madrid looks ready to match his demands.
Eden Hazard to Chelsea looking possible
Elsewhere, former Blues star Eden Hazard could be returning to the club where he became the global superstar he is today.
Hazard has found life difficult since moving to “dream club” Real Madrid two-and-a-half years ago. He has struggled with injuries, poor form and other factors which have kept him from reaching his best.
Real Madrid are currently exploring every avenue to get rid of the 30-year-old who they have considered a flop and a return to Chelsea is one option they have been considering.
That move seems to be a lot more probable right now as latest reports from Spanish outlet El Nacional strongly claim that a deal involving Hazard could see him leave Real Madrid for Chelsea in January.
Real Madrid have their eyes on 28-year-old defender Rudiger who will be free to move to whatever club he wants to from January, and rumours from various sources claim that a swap deal for both players could see them move across borders.
Roman Abramovich furious at Madrid’s pursuit of Rudiger
Even more reports have claimed that despite Chelsea’s director Marina Granovskaia looking at ways to being Eden Hazard back to the club following the possible loans of Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, club owner Roman Abramovich is looking to pull the plug.
Abramovich is reportedly displeased by how Real Madrid are going after Rudiger and sees the Hazard deal as a way to punish Los Blancos for their moves on his player.
The Spanish giants have been discussing with Sahr Senesie, Rudiger’s brother and agent for the past few weeks and have even reached certain agreements on the financial implications of the transfer.
Abramovich is also reported to be unhappy with Rudiger for not giving Chelsea a chance for discussions and going ahead to agree informal terms with Madrid.
Abramovich could now pull out of the Hazard deal out of spite if Rudiger’s departure from Stamford bridge happens.
