Chelsea preparing club-record bid for new Eden Hazard

Chelsea fans have been spoiled over the past 20 years when it comes to true Premier League greats.

Whether it’s Petr Cech between the sticks, John Terry leading the line, Frank Lampard scoring goal after goal from the center of the park, or Didier Drogba doing his best, Blues faithful have seen some truly legendary stars represent them.

Another icon who was a little less successful than the aforementioned names, but at least as appealing, was Eden Hazard.

The Belgian wizard remains one of the most talented players to have ever played for Chelsea, and if reports are to be believed, the club could be looking to sign a player who could become the next Hazard.

Chelsea plan move towards signing Hazard next

New manager Liam Rosenior has fielded a squad full of talented Chelsea players, although the team has not performed well over the past month.

For example, players like Moises Caicedo, Reece James and Cole Palmer are likely to join most other top teams in the Premier League.

But the Blues also have plenty of young, promising but largely unproven talent in their squad, and if the club wants to win anything significant this year or next, they need to add more proven world-class talent to their squad.

Luckily for fans and Rosenia, that seems to be the plan.

At least that’s according to a recent report in Spain claiming that Chelsea are very interested in Vinicius Junior.

Indeed, the likes of Arsenal and Saudi Professional League sides are said to be interested in the Brazilian, but reports claim the Blues are the first to make a move.

It has also emerged that if rumors are true that the player will not renew his contract with Real Madrid, there are talks of West Londoners making a monster offer of €150m, or around £130m, a club record.

Even with such a high potential price, Chelsea should do everything they can to sign Vini Junior this year. Because he is a proven winner and could be the club’s next Hazard.

Why Vinicius Junior will be Chelsea’s next Hazard

So, the first thing to think about here is, what was it that made Chelsea fans so obsessed with Hazard?

On the other hand, he could be an effective winger who has scored goals and assisted on goals.

In fact, the Belgian superstar racked up an impressive 110 goals and 88 assists during his time with the Blues.

But while that accomplishment certainly helped the 35-year-old’s popularity, it wasn’t the main reason fans loved him. That was the way he played soccer.

The La Louvière-born dynamo was pure fun to watch. He was a winger who brought fans to their feet with his impressive tricks and spectacular shots from long range.

Even if he doesn’t score, Hazard is always entertaining to watch. To some extent, the same is true for Vini Jr.

Brazil is not a player who waits for something to happen on the pitch. Often he is the one who makes things happen.

Whether it’s an incredible run from the halfway line, a curling attack from just outside the penalty area or an audacious skill that shadows opposition defenders, fans know they’re in for a show when they see the former 25-year-old in action.

Naturally, this is also reflected in his underlying numbers.

According to FBref, the São Gonzalo-born superstar is ranked in the top 1% for progressive carries and touches inside the penalty area, in the top 4% for successful take-offs, and in the top 5% for shot-creation actions among attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues, all with 90 points.

Finally, in addition to being an entertainer, the former Flamengo gem is also an output machine, scoring 111 goals and 91 assists in 348 games for Real Madrid, which helps justify Thierry Henry’s previous claim of being one of the “best in the world”.

After all, it won’t be cheap or easy, but Chelsea should do everything in their power to sign Vini Junior this year. Not only does he bring great quality to the team, he could also become their new Hazard.