Zidane has not yet made Hazard call for Real Madrid — report

It is assumed that Eden Hazard will be leaving Chelsea this summer to join his childhood idol Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid, but just as it has been the case over the past seven years — i.e. ever since Hazard joined Chelsea as his stepping stone towards the Galacticos — the situation has yet to evolve beyond just rumor mill.

And so it remains the case now, as Marca admit that Zidane’s “yes” for the club to actually go after Eden remains just an expectation or assumption. They say it’s the “only thing” missing, but it’s a rather crucial piece, surely, especially as Zidane’s return to Real was supposedly predicated on him being given greater control, if not a blank check, in the transfer market. But Zidane apparently wants to (re-)assess the club's situation before making any major decisions.

With Chelsea setting a nine-figure asking price for Eden — something we’re unlikely to relent on especially if the transfer ban remains in place — Zidane & Co may yet consider someone like Kylian Mbappé a better long-term investment.

So perhaps Hazard leaving this summer isn’t as nailed on as we’ve been lead to believe?