Will Chelsea land Arsenal target Hazard?

Will Chelsea land Arsenal target Hazard?

Chelsea are the favourites to land £40 million-rated youngster Eden Hazard, according to Lille's Academy director Jean-Michel Vandamme.

Andre-Villas Boas is keen to replace Chelsea's 'ageing' stars Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka and Frank Lampard who are in the twilight of their careers at Stamford Bridge.

The Portuguese has already stated his admiration for Genk's Kevin De Bruyne, but it is Lille star Hazard is currently attracting most attention around Europe.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Inter Milan are all believed to be pursuing the 20-year-old, but it is Chelsea who are leading the hunt, according to reports.

Inter captain Javier Zanetti recently confirmed the Italians are "very interested" in Hazard.

"Eden is certainly willing to stay at Lille at least until next summer," Vandamme was quoted as saying in the Daily Mail. "The buyer will have to come up with a lot of money - let's say he is not currently to go for less than £40 million.

"Chelsea has been following him the closest. The Spaniards have not manifested themselves yet, but I think they are playing it smart and will call when they know they have to - I'm talking about Real Madrid, but also about Barcelona."

Hazard's agent has already revealed that Arsenal failed in their attempt to sign the playmaker during the summer transfer window.

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