Chelsea eye Lille’s Nicolas Pepe as Hazard replacement this summer

As Real Madrid close in on a huge transfer for Blues star Eden Hazard, Chelsea have identified Ivory Coast international Nicolas Pepe as the Belgian’s replacement if they can reach a deal.

AS Spanish have reported that Pepe has emerged as a target for Maurizio Sarri after an impressive campaign for Lille in Ligue 1, where they currently sit in second place after thrashing PSG last weekend 5-1.

The issue for the Blues, however, is the transfer ban they were handed back at the beginning of the year, where FIFA banned them for two transfer windows. They have tried to protest it but that was unsuccessful. If this ban does stick around, it could really hurt Chelsea, especially if Hazard does end up heading to Real Madrid. They’re set to bring in Christian Pulisic this summer from Dortmund, but without arguably their best player in Hazard, Chelsea will definitely need some fresh firepower on the attack.

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

Pepe looks like a wonderful option if they overcome the transfer ban. He’s bagged 19 goals and 11 assists this year in the French top division. Hazard actually came to Stamford Bridge from Lille back in 2012, so the Blues are familiar with picking talent from the French side. Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich have also shown interest in the 23-year old winger.

Pepe’s value is in the span of 70 million euros currently and there is a very good chance he will end up with a big club by the summer, whether it’s Chelsea or not. His top form this term hasn’t gone unnoticed as Pepe has seen his price tag skyrocket as a result of his ability to find the back of the net.

He is the first player in Ligue one this season to reach double figures in goals and assists. Pepe currently sits second in goals, behind only Kylian Mbappe, while he’s tied for the most assists.

Even Lille president Gerard Lopez has said that Pepe has reached a price range that is too much for his club, as they expect him to leave in the summer.

Despite lots of big clubs showing interest in Pepe, Chelsea could be one of the most realistic ones. He wouldn’t have to fight for playing time as he would at a Bayern Munich or Liverpool, given that Hazard leaves for Spain. His competition would be Callum Hudson-Odoi and Willian, but he would definitely see a lot of time on the pitch if he kept up this impressive form.

Pepe’s electrifying pace and unique ability to net goals and set them up are very similar to what Hazard has done this year and the hope would be that he could do a lot of the same in West London.

The key for Chelsea will be to get rid of this transfer ban so they can bring in more talent like Pepe.