Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has sent a clear transfer message to Chelsea regarding the future of Eden Hazard, who has been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge this month.
The Blues sold the Belgian superstar to Madrid in 2019 for £130 million, but he has suffered a series of injury issues since, never getting close to the level he consistently reached in South West London.
Due to his struggles, links have emerged suggesting Hazard could return to Chelsea, with newfound Premier League big spenders Newcastle United also rumoured to be interested in bringing the 31-year-old back to the English league.
However, Ancelotti has made it clear that Hazard is a part of his plans at the Bernabeu, despite his recent difficulties.
"Hazard is in our plans for the next season, I can confirm," Ancelotti said, as reported by Fabrizio Romano on Twitter.
Thomas Tuchel's side have consistently been linked with a run for Hazard, but Spanish publication Marca reported this week that they are not one of the teams that has offered the winger a get-out from Madrid this month.
Last summer, Hazard insisted he wanted to remain in Spain, prove his qualities at Madrid and rejected a return to England.
"I still have a three-year contract with Real Madrid, so going back to England is out of the question," he said in May.
"Everyone knows that my first two years were not good, so first I want to prove myself at Real Madrid. I will do everything to do that.
"I certainly don’t see myself leaving Madrid, given the contract situation. I know myself and I know when I’m in shape. If that’s the case, I can give it my all for Real next season. That’s my plan."
But since that time, he has made just six La Liga starts, playing 752 minutes in all competitions this season.
Madrid, meanwhile, sit top of the Spanish league table, four points clear of Sevilla and seemingly on their way to another league title.
