Chelsea get door open in Icardi chase as Hazard makes big Hudson-Odoi claim

Real Madrid target Eden Hazard has hailed Callum Hudson-Odoi and claimed that he is the future of Chelsea after playing like someone that is ten years older.

Despite only a handful of Premier League games under Maurizio Sarri, Hudson-Odoi has been making a real impact in the Europa League for us and his performances over the past 12 months have earned him the title as one of the most exciting wingers in world football

However, his performances have not gone unnoticed as German Champions Bayern Munich have shown an interest in trying to complete a transfer deal, while the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with possible moves, especially since he has rejected contract worth around £85,000-a-week.

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The England international’s future is still unclear with his contract at Stamford Bridge set to expire in 2020 but Hazard, who has also been linked with a move away, hopes he stays with the club long-term.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Hazard said: ‘He’s the future of Chelsea. I’ve told him already. He’s still young but when you see him he looks like he’s played 10 years.

‘He’s a great guy to work with, he’s been fantastic. He wants to learn and he’s young so I hope Chelsea can keep him for a long time. He’s got quality, sometimes I understand it’s hard to get young players in the team because we have people like me, Willian, Pedro.

‘But when he has the chance to play they have to show they’re ready and Callum is showing that right now.’

Meanwhile, Mauro Icardi will NOT be heading to Atletico Madrid in the summer, which has handed boss Maurizio Sarri a huge boost in his pursuit.

Despite having Olivier Giroud and Gonzalo Higuaín on the books, there has been a lot of transfer speculation in the media over the past few months which has all suggested that we are looking for a more long-term solution, with Icardi high up o the shopping list.

But Tuttomercatoweb are now reporting that Atletico are not pushing for a deal, despite rumours in the Spanish media, and it means we would likely have a straight-up battle with Real Madrid – Atletico’s city rivals – to sign the Argentina international.

However, it is also believed that Inter wants close to £100 million for their goal-machine, but we are not willing to go that high and would prefer to land Icardi for close to the £80 million mark.

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