Manchester City are prepared to pay a colossal £132 million to sign Chelsea winger Eden Hazard this summer, according to Don Balon.
The Spanish newspaper reports on their website that City boss Pep Guardiola is prepared to smash the Premier League record, currently held by Manchester United for their capture of Paul Pogba, to land the Belgian magician, in order to fend off interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid, who also reportedly want to secure his services.
The 27-year-old attacker is currently starring for Belgium in the World Cup after leading them to the semi-finals, and Guardiola believes it is the right time to pay a colossal fee for Hazard following Chelsea’s failure to qualify for this season’s Champions League.
Good move for Manchester City?
Yes, absolutely. Hazard is an exceptional talent and he has demonstrated that for Chelsea in recent seasons, and bagged 17 goals and 13 assists in the 2017/2018 campaign.
The inclusion of the Belgium international in the City side would signal their intent to challenge for the title for a consecutive season, and he would give them that extra flair that could prove lethal.
With him, City would most certainly be a force to be reckoned with, and will be a fearsome opponent for any team.
This is Futbol rating: 8.5/10
Likely to happen?
No, not at the moment. Guardiola has only reportedly registered his ambition to sign the speedy winger for a large fee, and no move has actually been made for Hazard apart from the club’s interest.
Even if Manchester City did make a formal move for the Blues attacker, they would face fierce competition from Real Madrid, who are keen to bring him to the Bernebeu.
Let’s see if Guardiola’s intent to splash the cash materialises, or whether he was being too ambitious.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10