Chelsea Eye Two Summer Targets As Potential Replacements For Hazard

Chelsea have looked at both Barcelona attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho and Lille winger Nicolas Pepe as possible options to replace Eden Hazard, according to reports in France.

The Blues’ transfer ban will need to be lifted if they were to complete a deal for either star but the London club are said to be lining up summer targets just in case they are able to sign players.

Hazard’s move to Real Madrid looks like it will happen this summer, with the Belgian’s contract expiring in 2020 and no sign of a new deal.

In terms of the prospective replacements, Pepe has been in superb form for Lille having hit 20 goals and provided 14 assists in all competitions this campaign.

In contrast, Coutinho has struggled during his first full season at Barca. The Catalan club’s record signing from Liverpool has scored just five times in La Liga, making just two assists.

The Brazilian has also been linked with Manchester United and PSG recently, while Pepe is apparently on Bayern Munich and Arsenal’s radar.