Chelsea transfer target could be key to keeping Eden Hazard

Chelsea are close to bringing in Maurizio Sarri, who has made his number one transfer target clear.

Antoine Conte had a good two years at Chelsea. He won the Premier League in his first season, and the FA Cup in his second.

However, things weren’t meant to be for the Italian boss. He fell out with the Chelsea hierarchy over a lack of backing, and it looks like he’ll be on his way out fairly soon.

The Blues finished fifth place in the league, off the back of a title win. This isn’t good enough, especially for a club with a highly demanding fan-base who are accustomed to winning.

Maurizio Sarri looks set to join, which has caused divide upon fans and pundits alike. One thing’s for sure, he won’t tolerate any nonsense from the Chelsea players and backroom staff.

He could also be the key to acquiring some new signatures. Telegraph report the manager could bring in Dries Mertens, who he has spent time with at Napoli.

Will he benefit Eden Hazard?

Chelsea fans should see this as good news, because not only is Mertens a talented player, but he has experience with Belgian countryman Eden Hazard.

Hazard is known for doing work by himself for Chelsea, something he doesn’t experience with Belgium. That said, he will be licking his lips at the thought of playing with Mertens next season.

Of course, Mertens is getting on a bit now, but he still has a few years left in him. A new manager and strike partner will do Hazard the world of good in his decision on whether or not to leave the London club.

More from Chelsea FC

• Tuchel has eyes on Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah
• Permanent move of Cobham graduate Lewis Hall to Newcastle United
• Chelsea are not pleased with the Lukaku-Vlahović swap deal
• Chelsea joins the race against Liverpool for Romeo Lavia
• Blues select Reece James as captain and Chilwell is new vice-captain

He seemed to fall out with Conte, although nothing was said vocally. He grew frustrated with Conte’s tactics at Chelsea, as it often left him isolated and made him do all the work up top.

How does he differ to Chelsea strikers?

It will be good for Chelsea to add a new dynamic on the attacking front. They have become too reliant on target men in recent seasons, which has only served them well with Diego Costa.

Alvaro Morata had a dreadful first season, after starting off promisingly. Olivier Giroud is always reliable, but the same argument can be raised from his time with Arsenal – is he really the striker to lead a side pushing for more?

Mertens is the same age as Giroud, but he has more to offer. He loves to run in behind opposing defenders, which could be ideal for Eden Hazard. However, his main trait lies around his creativity.

This raises the question of a potential striker partnership with Mertens and one of Morata or Giroud. It’s something for Sarri to consider.

Must Read: Chelsea target's agent arrives in London

Do you think Chelsea should sign Dries Mertens?