Chelsea are under intense pressure to add to their title-winning side next season and remain competitive both domestically and on the continent, whilst they face a challenge to keep their key-players at Stamford Bridge for the long-term.

The likes of Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois have both been linked with high-profile exits from the West London giants this summer but, crucially, the Belgian pair have both stated their desire to remain at Stamford Bridge.

Courtois, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, told Sky Sports he intends to sign a new deal at the club and has no desire to leave- despite the fact his family still lives in Madrid following his years on-loan with Atletico.

“I am very happy and there is no doubt I will stay. My contract runs out in two years so obviously I need a new deal. It’s important I finish the season well with the national team and then maybe Chelsea will speak with my agent.”

“If it’s a good deal I will be very happy to sign.”

The major boost from Chelsea’s starring stopper has also been accompanied by comments from Eden Hazard, who like his compatriot has been heavily linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu to play under his idol Zinedine Zidane.

“I’m good here. I’m at one of the best clubs in the world and I think I’m going to stay for a couple of years. I’m very happy. You can see on the pitch that I’m happy.”

“Next season, we will have the Champions League to play but we want to keep the Premier League trophy in Chelsea. It’s going to be hard but we know [people] expect a lot from Chelsea now. But now is the time to think about holidays.”

Whilst it was always going to be difficult for Real Madrid, or any other side, to seal a move for Chelsea’s starring Belgian duo, the pair’s comments will hand a crucial boost to Antonio Conte ahead of a busy summer window.

Conte and Chelsea now must move to secure the services of Courtois and Hazard on a long-term basis, securing the pair to a new deal, to ensure that the Blues have a strong bargaining position if a European giant did make a swoop for the duo.

Losing either of this pair is a scenario that Chelsea will be desperate to avoid and it’s time for the Blues to make a big statement by ensuring their starring duo remain at the club.