Carlo Ancelotti has ruled out Eden Hazard’s potential move back to the Premier League in the summer transfer window. The Belgian had been linked with a return to Chelsea, or even a shock move to Arsenal.
Speaking to Spanish outlet goltelevision, Ancelotti said: “Eden Hazard will stay here at Real Madrid next season. Hazard’s plan is very clear, he wants to show his quality next season.”
The Belgian has struggled since his move to the Spanish capital in 2019, and a transfer back to London had been anticipated. However, this now seems unlikely after Ancelotti’s intentions to keep him for another season.
READ MORE: Arsenal must increase offer for dream £59m Nicolas Pepe replacement amid Newcastle mega proposal
Arsenal emerged as a surprising loan destination for Hazard next season earlier this month. According to Foot Mercato, the Gunners have held talks with Real Madrid over a potential loan deal for the winger's services this summer.
Despite his affinity to Chelsea, Hazard has even previously admitted that he was an admirer of Arsenal growing up: "When I was little, the team I watched the most was the French national team. For me, the players I looked up to were Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry.
"It's difficult for me to admit because of my relationship with Chelsea, but I really liked the Arsenal team at the time. They had players like Robert Pires, [Sylvain] Wiltord, and [Patrick] Vieira, so it was mainly French players that I followed growing up."
Alongside a reported shock move to Arsenal, Hazard had been linked with a return to Chelsea. Back in February, MARCA's Jose Felix Diaz, via Madrid Xtra, reported that the player would be keen on a return to the club where he became one of the best in Europe.
Hazard scored 110 goals and provided a further 92 assists for the Blues in seven years, helping them to two Premier League titles and two European League crowns and FA Cup and Carabao Cup triumphs. A move back to Chelsea certainly seemed possible.
But, a sensational return to Chelsea or a shock move to Arsenal now seems highly unlikely at the end of the season. The legendary winger has had a tough period in Madrid, but it seems Ancelotti is willing to give him another year to prove himself as a success for Los Blancos.
