Chelsea attacker Eden Hazard has joked that the club wouldn’t be able to afford to sanction a move for Romelu Lukaku if they offer him a new contract.
Hazard was in stunning form for Chelsea last season as they cruised to the Premier League title, contributing 17 goals and seven assists from 43 appearances in all competitions.
He still has three years left to run on his current deal, but Chelsea are looking to reward him for his fine form, and fend-off interest from Europe’s elite, with a fresh agreement and increased pay.
But Chelsea’s summer transfer plan also reportedly involves a potential return to Stamford Bridge for Romelu Lukaku, who was also in top form for Everton last season.
Lukaku, 24, scored 26 goals from 39 appearances, and the Standard have claimed the Blues are ready to step up their interest in the £100million man.
But Hazard has joked that once Chelsea hand him a new contract, there would not be ‘enough money left’ in the bank to sign Belgium international team-mate Lukaku.
He told Belgian news outlet Het Nieuwsblad: “If I sign a new contract, maybe there is not enough money left to get Romelu. No, I’m joking. Whoever comes, we will be ready for the new season.”
Lukaku quit Stamford Bridge for Everton in a £28million deal just three years ago, but Chelsea are determined to bring him back into the fold after witnessing his talents elsewhere.
He had previously struggled to make any significant impact at Chelsea, failing to score a single goal from his 15 appearances in all competitions.