With the transfer window now back open, talk is hotting up that Real Madrid are finally ready to make their move for Eden Hazard.
The Spanish giants have long been tracking the Chelsea playmaker and their manager Zinedine Zidane recently described the Belgian as ‘spectacular’.
Chelsea will be determined to hang on to their prized asset but with Hazard having publicly admitted he would love to play under his ‘idol’ Zidane and still yet to agree a new contract, they may have no choice but to cash in.
It would be a bitter blow for the Blues to lose one of the best players in the world and they won’t find it easy to fill his boots.
talkSPORT has taken a look at who could potentially replace Hazard at Stamford Bridge should the 26-year-old move on.
Click the right arrow above to scroll through the gallery…
Riyad Mahrez – Mahrez has been one of the shining lights in the Premier League in recent years and was a pivotal part of Leicesters remarkable title triumph in 2015/16. He was at his brilliant best against Huddersfield at the weekend and its hard to see the Foxes keeping hold of the skilful Algerian for much longer. Mahrez has scored 43 goals in 162 appearances during his time in English football and would need little time to adapt at Chelsea. Blues boss Antonio Conte is reportedly a big admirer. Click right to see other stars would could replace Hazard.Nabil Fekir – The Lyon academy graduate has developed into one of Ligue 1s best attacking talents and has been hailed as the French clubs answer to Lionel Messi. He has scored 49 goals in 136 appearances and, at 24, still has plenty of improvement in him. Fekir has been tracked by Barcelona and would likely cost around £60million – small change to Chelsea!Lorenzo Insigne – The diminutive forward has been on fire for Napoli this season, creating and scoring goals aplenty to help his hometown club move top of Serie A. Insigne has drawn praise from Diego Maradona and, at 26, is entering the prime of his career. He appears in no rush to leave Naples, but has worked with Antonio Conte before during his spell as Italy head coach and the Chelsea boss could be the man to tempt Insigne away from Italy.Thomas Lemar – Like Fekir, Lemar is regarded as one of Frances brightest talents. The 20-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal last summer but a deal failed to materialise. The 22-year-old has continued to shine for Monaco. Quick, skilful, versatile and with an eye for goal, Lemar looks well-suited to the Premier League and, according to reports in France, he has been closely watched by Chelsea this season.Paulo Dybala – One of the biggest stars in Serie A, Dybala has been outstanding for Juventus over the past three seasons, scoring 59 goals in 120 games. Such is his standing in Turin, the 24-year-old was handed the iconic number 10 shirt in the shirt in the summer, worn in the past by such legendary figures as Alessandro Del Piero and Roberto Baggio. Juve would not let Dybala go without a fight but, as demonstrated with Paul Pogba, they could be tempted to do a deal for a massive fee.Gareth Bale – The Welshman has been beset by injuries in recent seasons and reports in Spain suggest Real have run out of patience with the former Tottenham star. A move back to the Premier League could be what the 28-year-old needs to revitalise his career and there has been speculation that he could be offered to Chelsea as part of any deal with Hazard. Despite his fitness struggles, Bale has plundered 71 goals in 163 appearances for Real and is a three-time Champions League winner. Could he be the perfect replacement for Hazard?
