Chelsea transfer news: Anthony Martial to replace Eden Hazard?

Blues, Juventus and Tottenham are
interested in Manchester United ace Martial

One-Minute Read

According to The Daily Telegraph, the Blues “are among the
clubs taking a keen interest” in the plight of the 22-year-old, who
has been linked to a departure from Old Trafford for some
time. 

Alarmed at the inconsistency his club has shown this
season, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is determined to strengthen
his squad in the off-season, although the Telegraph says if they
fail to qualify for the Champions League they will be left “facing
a shortfall between £50m and £70m”.

Nonetheless that won’t prevent the Russian trying to cut a
deal with United for Martial, with the two clubs on good terms
following Nemanja Matic’s move to Old Trafford last summer. In
addition, says the Telegraph, United gaffer Jose Mourinho “has made
no secret of his ongoing admiration of Willian” and there may be an
opportunity for him to land the Brazilian magician in exchange for
letting the Blues have Martial.

Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be tailing
Martial, with the Italians ready to pay £44m, but it’s by no means
certain that United will sell the Gallic goalscorer if they believe
it’s not in their best interests to do so.

The Guardian also carry news of Chelsea’s
interest in Martial, and they add that Abramovich sees him as the
man to fill the void if Eden Hazard bolts from the Blues. 

Apparently the Stamford Bridge outfit are “braced for Real
Madrid to firm up their long-standing interest” in their Belgian,
and that’s spurred them into action vis-a-vis Martial. Not that
they won’t allow Hazard to leave without a fight with the Guardian
reporting that Abramovich is “still hopeful Hazard will sign a new
contract”.