Chelsea have no plans to sell Eden Hazard this summer as Antonio Conte will largely work on improving what he has at his disposal first.
That is the view of the Sky Sports Sunday Supplement panel, who discussed the impact of the club’s disappointing campaign this year moving forward with a new era starting in the summer.
Hazard’s slump has been the most alarming element of their struggles this year, with the 25-year-old yet to score in 26 Premier League appearances this season.
It is in stark contrast to the man who won the Player of the Year award last season as he helped guide Jose Mourinho’s men to the Premier League title, and it has raised questions over whether or not the Blues should consider selling him.
Despite speculation suggesting that Chelsea are open to entertaining offers of around £80million, as reported by The Express, the Daily Telegraph’s Sam Wallace is adamant that they are in fact hoping to keep the Belgian international at Stamford Bridge.
“He has had a dreadful season, there are no two ways about it,” he said on the Sky Sports show. “The feeling at Chelsea is that it would be foolish to sell him, he has been the Player of the Year. Twelve months ago he was a very good player and they believe he will be a good player again.
“I think there would be people biting Chelsea’s hand off to sign him. He has had a terrible season, no two ways about it and we may never know why.
“But certainly one of the things the new manager will be expected to do will be to get the best out of him.”
Conte will arrive in west London after Euro 2016, and has been tipped by many to be a success in the Premier League.
Given his similar characteristics and demands to Mourinho, it is more than possible that he will base his plans largely on the group currently at the club.
However, it would be no surprise if he added individuals from Serie A that he is familiar with to improve the squad, as he will under pressure to deliver immediate success.