In what has become one of the most sought after signatures in modern football, it appears as if Chelsea have taken the upper hand in purchasing Lille attacker, Eden Hazard.
European clubs of the highest calibre have been chasing the Belgian starlet for the past three seasons but only now is he looking likely to leave the French top flight.
Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and both of the Manchester giants have been linked with a move for Hazard in recent transfer windows, however Lille have somehow managed to hang on to their superstar for that period.
The Ligue 1 outfit have placed a £35m price-tag on their versatile midfielder; something most elite clubs are willing to pay if it means clinching his signature.
Given the amount of interest surrounding him, it’s looking almost certain that Hazard will take the step up in competition at some point this year, and despite the best efforts of the Lille hierarchy to hang on their player for the remainder of this season, a January switch is a definite possibility.
Despite being only 21 years-old, Hazard showed his maturity in the 2010-11 Ligue 1 winning campaign as he led Lille to a season’s worth of fantastic performances of which he was highly responsible for.
The Belgian international is a top target for Andre Villa Boas, who is hoping to tie down a long-term replacement for the aging Frank Lampard.
The English international seems to have undergone a drop in his usual standard this campaign, and while his influence is still substantial, his age will undoubtedly take its toll.
The Blues are thought to be engaged in price negotiations with the current Ligue 1 champions and although they may hold an advantage now, the ongoing saga of Eden Hazard is far from decided.