- The 27-year-old has previously indicated his interest in signing for Real Madrid
- Hazard has scored seven goals in eight games in the Premier League this season
- Chelsea’s offer is set to be in excess of £300,000 as they look to tie him down
Chelsea plan to open talks with next month as the club prepare to try to convince their best player to commit his future to them over .
The Blues were left encouraged by Hazard’s honest comments before the international break, despite the 27-year-old also indicating his interest in signing for the giants.
The Belgian has not hidden how he feels about a potential move to Madrid but Chelsea want to kick-start discussions over a new deal ahead of .
They believe Hazard is open to talks and the fact the two-time Premier League winner is enjoying life under head coach Maurizio Sarri will work in their favour.
Hazard has scored seven goals in eight games in the top flight this season and faces Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in Saturday’s lunch-time kick-off.
With him turning 28 in January, Hazard’s next contract will likely be the last big one of his career.
Real are expected to be the only threat to Chelsea, though the Spaniards surprisingly did not test their English counterparts with an official bid in the summer.
Hazard’s current deal, worth £220,000 per week, expires in the summer of 2020. Chelsea’s next offer is set to be in excess of £300,000.
Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck recently said the club would fight tooth and nail to have Hazard stay. ‘We want him to stay and we will do what we have to do to entice him to stay,’ Buck said, discussing the contract issue in Doha at the Financial Times Future of Football event.
‘Every Chelsea fan in London and around the world loves Eden Hazard, and he’s not only a great footballer but I think he’s a wonderful lad.’
Chelsea fans are still waiting to discover who Sarri will use as his permanent captain this season. Cesar Azpilicueta has been interested in the role but Hazard also remains in contention, though that will not be what convinces the Belgian to stay.