Our Chelsea fans here in the Transfer Tavern are preparing themselves to lose one of their best players to La Liga giants Real Madrid for the first time in their recent history, despite his recent dip in form. Indeed, other top European clubs have had to deal with Los Blancos poaching their players for some time and it looks like it could finally happen at Stamford Bridge.

The story that continues to rumble on this year, is that of Eden Hazard being linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer. ‘Los Blancos’ seem set on making Hazard one of their new Galactico signings this year, as they look to overhaul the club and shift out fringe players – although the Belgian’s recent form may have started to be a cause of concern for Madrid.

Hazard is reportedly stalling on a new contract offer from the Blues in order to agitate a move to Madrid, should current boss Zinedine Zidane stay in charge.

If the move was to take place, then the Chelsea board have the tough task of replacing the Belgian and with his talent and ability, it will surely take someone special to sweeten our Blues in the bar. With that in mind, our landlord has been taking a look around Europe and thinks that these two players may be the answer…

Nabil Fekir

Nabil Fekir is having one of his best seasons to date in Ligue 1 and the attacker is the pivotal point of Lyon’s attacks, with 21 goals and six assists in 34 games, so our punters can see why. He is in a similar mould to Hazard with his dribbling skills and ability to spot a pass furthermore, Fekir could be a like-for-like replacement.

Rated at £45m by Transfermarkt, the Frenchman could be a shrewd move in the summer window, if they act fastly enough. Indeed, he might take time to adapt, but he’d be a truly wonderful addition to those in SW6.

Antoine Greizmann

Another Frenchman who will surely be in hot demand in the summer is Antoine Griezmann. Indeed, he has already been touted with a move to the Premier League with Man United, however, the deal didn’t happen when many thought it looked as if it would. The classy midfielder would fit right in at Stamford Bridge and should surely become an instant fan favourite, giving the Blues that extra sprinkling of stardust.

If Greizmann was to join Chelsea, the fans would be very happy with that bit of business and feel like times could change for the London club.