According to sources in France, Lille have slapped a £26 million price tag on Arsenaltarget Eden Hazard – great news!
The 20-year-old winger has been on Arsene Wenger ’s radar for quite some time now and having lost Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona a few days ago and Samir Nasri looking increasingly likely to depart for Man City – surely Wenger will step up his interest for the talented Belgian within the next 14 days?
Despite Lille wanting to retain Hazard’s services, it is believed that they are willing to sell the in-demand starlet if the valuation is met.
Having already signed Gervinho for £11 million from Lille this summer, Arsenal are now weighing up whether or not they should give in to the French club’s demands and just pay the fee for Hazard this summer.
However, Lille president Michel Seydoux believes Hazard should remain with the French champions, as the youngster knows his status and is a first-team regular for the club:
‘I am not sure he wants to leave anyway. He knows his status here and at a large club there is much more uncertainty.’
Having already banked £30 million upfront for Fabregas a few days ago and potentially another £20-25 million for Nasri, Wenger shouldn’t have a problem paying Lille’s asking price for Hazard. Besides, ‘Le Boss’ did recently declare that he would spend £40 million for the right player – so no excuses really, right?
Undoubtedly, and in my opinion, quite rightly so, Wenger should try and persuade Lille to drop Hazard’s asking price, but the Frenchman shouldn’t dwell on the matter for too long.
A lot of Arsenal fans have called for Wenger to sign Hazard, as they (as well as me) see the Belgian international as THE ideal replacement for Nasri.
Granted, £26 million may seem a lot of money to part with. However, Hazard is a player who has huge potential and, in all honestly, is the ‘right player’ Wenger keeps going on about.
For my sake, I hope we sign him.
