Sarri Admits £100m Is Too Cheap for Hazard but Says Chelsea May Struggle to Keep Him

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has admitted the club could find it difficult to keep Eden Hazard if the Belgian decides he wants to join Real Madrid, although he believes a reported £100 million fee would be too low.

Hazard underlined his importance to Chelsea by scoring both goals in a 2-0 Premier League victory over West Ham.

His opening goal was particularly impressive as he collected the ball inside the West Ham half, dribbled past several defenders and calmly finished to give Chelsea the lead.

The Belgian later scored again in stoppage time to secure the victory and move Chelsea into third place in the Premier League.

Despite his outstanding form, Hazard’s future remained uncertain because he had just over a year left on his contract and had yet to agree a new deal.

Chelsea therefore faced the possibility of either selling him in the summer or risking losing him on a free transfer in 2020.

“It is too cheap in this market,” Sarri said when asked about the reported £100 million valuation.

“I’m sure the club doesn’t want to sell him, but of course we all have to respect his decision.”

Sarri said Chelsea would continue trying to convince Hazard to remain at Stamford Bridge but acknowledged that the player might want a new experience.

The Italian also admitted replacing Hazard would be extremely difficult.

“From the technical point of view, no, not at the moment,” Sarri said when asked if Chelsea could cope without him. “It is impossible to find another Hazard. The level is too high.”

The situation was made more complicated by Chelsea’s transfer ban, which could prevent the club from signing a replacement if Hazard departed.

Hazard, however, insisted his immediate focus remained on helping Chelsea qualify for the Champions League.

“For now I am just focusing on Chelsea until the end of the season,” he said.

“I want to finish in the top four and do well in the Europa League. We still have a lot to do and then we will see.”

Chelsea’s victory over West Ham moved them ahead of Tottenham and Arsenal in the race for a top-four finish, although both rivals had games in hand.

With difficult league matches against Liverpool and Manchester United still to come, Hazard’s form was expected to remain crucial to Chelsea’s hopes of securing Champions League football.