Eden Hazard has already decided to quit Chelsea, claims Paul Merson
Ex-Gunner says the Belgian's comments show he is gearing up for a summer move to Real Madrid
Paul Merson believes Chelsea ace Eden Hazard has already made up his mind and will leave Stamford Bridge for Real Madrid in the summer.
The Belgium international has hinted on a numerous occasions that joining Los Blancos would be his "dream" move.
Hazard has been in sensational form so far, scoring 10 times for the Blues and adding 9 assists this season - meaning he has been involved in 51 per cent of Chelsea's total goals.
And the 27-year-old left the doors open for a potential move away from Stamford Bridge revealing his feelings towards Real Madrid earlier this month.
It was not the first time the Belgian had hinted at leaving Chelsea, having previously declared readiness for a new chapter in his career after leading Belgium to a third-place finish in the World Cup.
And ex-Gunner Merson believes such comments indicate Hazard has set his eyes on a Bernabeu switch next summer.
When asked whether he thinks Hazard has already made a decision regarding his future, he told Sky Sports: "I would say yes.
"I would say yes because when you’re talking like that it’s just leaving the door open.
"I think he will play and enjoy his football like he is at the moment. He is the best player in the Premier League in my opinion.
"I think he’s the only player in the league who can get the ball on the halfway line and beat three players and score on a consistent basis.
"He’s up there in the top five in the world of football.
"Real Madrid, I think when they come knocking, or even Barcelona because I don’t think [Ousmane] Dembele has really done it, I think he will be on his way.
"As a Chelsea fan I just don’t think you could knock him if he went.
Real Madrid are reportedly considering making a swap offer, including Isco and Mateo Kovacic who is already on-loan at Stamford Bridge, to convince Chelsea to selling Hazard.
And the Serbian midfielder has recently revealed the Belgium international already asked him about life at Real Madrid.
Hazard's contract with Chelsea expires next season and he has recently revealed he will not hold talks about its extension anytime soon.