Blues could even weigh up keeping the Belgium star for the final year of his contract before losing him on a free in 2020
EDEN HAZARD fears Chelsea’s transfer ban will leave his £100million dream Real Madrid move in tatters.
Fifa’s two-window suspension is heading to the Court of Arbitration for Sport — and defeat will prevent the Blues using the Hazard cash for a world-class striker.
Chelsea will even weigh up keeping the Belgium star for the final year of his contract before losing him on a free in 2020.
Maurizio Sarri’s squad have qualified for the Champions League and do not want to head into next season without a new No 9 as Gonzalo Higuain heads back to Juventus after his loan.
But getting banned from signing players until next year means keeping Hazard is a serious option, even if they miss out on a windfall for one of Europe’s hottest properties.
Chelsea have history of granting their stars a preferred move after years of glittering service — Petr Cech was allowed to join Arsenal and Nemanja Matic left for Manchester United.
Hazard, 28, has been at the Bridge for seven years and, like Belgian pal Thibaut Courtois, considered his future after last summer’s World Cup.
While the keeper went on strike, Hazard returned to training and has helped the Blues finish third and reach the Europa League final.
Hazard admitted on Sunday: “I have made my decision — but it is not just about me.”
That is understood to be a reference to the ball being firmly in Chelsea’s court over a move.
