Eden Hazard: Five players who could replace Chelsea star amid reports he has agreed Real Madrid move

Eden Hazard is Chelsea's main man, but is caught in a dilemma.

Stay at the club and sign a new contract? Or leave for Real Madrid where his desire to play for them is no longer a secret?

Eden Hazard: Five players who could replace Chelsea star amid reports he has agreed Real Madrid move

Should he go, it would be a massive loss for Chelsea, who would be desperate to fill his void with an player of exceptional talent.

He certainly won't be easy to replace but talkSPORT.com has taken a look at five players who could contenders to inherit the No.10 shirt at Stamford Bridge.

5.Wilfired Zaha (Crystal Palace)

Some will be quick to dismiss this inclusion. Why would Chelsea want a player who appeared so out of his depth the last time he stepped up to a top club during his brief spell with Manchester United? Well, that was four years ago and in that period since returning to Crystal Palace, the 25-year-old has developed considerably as a player and is the reason they survived relegation last season. Chelsea have witnessed first-hand exactly what Zaha is capable of, firstly when he helped Palace win 2-1 at Stamford Bridge with a fine solo goal in April 2017, and then when he returned after a knee injury in October of that year to rejuvenate the Eagles, who had not won their opening eight league matches to beat Chelsea by the same score line. Like Hazard, Zaha plays his best football attacking from the left and cutting in with his electric pace and array of skills. Players often raise their level around those similar or better than themselves and Zaha would be keen not to repeat his past experiences.

Eden Hazard: Five players who could replace Chelsea star amid reports he has agreed Real Madrid move

4.Callum Hudson-Odoi (Chelsea)

The 18-year-old has the advantage, or to the cynics disadvantage, of already being at the club and despite Maurizio Sarri adopting a cautious approach towards his progression, Hudson-Odoi has shown he has the potential to be a real talent if given the chance. His impact in pre-season led to a sustained inclusion in the first team and a start in the Community Shield. A goal and assist in the Europa League, albeit against limited opposition, gave Chelsea fans an exciting glimpse at the confidence and ability the Wandsworth-born attacker possesses. Not for one moment am I suggesting he replaces Hazard immediately, as right now he is where he should be, gaining experience and learning from the best around. His future, if managed accordingly, is very promising.

Eden Hazard: Five players who could replace Chelsea star amid reports he has agreed Real Madrid move

3.Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)

Bale is among he best in the world and he would be a massive signing for Chelsea. Proven in the Premier League with Tottenham, he has surpassed expectations since moving to Spain five years ago. While injuries have hampered his time at the Bernabeu, the Welshman has done plenty for the club, four Champions Leagues, and yet the feeling remains he is under appreciated by Real's fickle supporters. Since Cristiano Ronaldo left, Bale has failed to live up to popular belief that he could be his successor. Unquestionably a more potent goal-scorer than Hazard and some may argue a greater attacking threat, the 29-year-old should be at his peak and this could be his last chance to make a glamour move.

Eden Hazard: Five players who could replace Chelsea star amid reports he has agreed Real Madrid move

2. Hirving Lozano (PSV Eindhoven)

The Mexican rose to prominence following his impressive showings at the World Cup, including netting the winner in a famous 1-0 victory over Germany. This season, the 23-year-old has netted 10 times in just 13 matches. Lozano is direct and quick and has demonstrated he can handle life on the big stage not just in Russia, but in the Champions League too. It would be a major coup if Chelsea were to land him.

Eden Hazard: Five players who could replace Chelsea star amid reports he has agreed Real Madrid move

1.Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli)

Having already played under Sarri, it would be no surprise to see the talented Italian move to Stamford Bridge in the immediate future.  Standing just 5ft 4, Insigne is usually deployed on the left in a 4-3-3 formation and is also capable of taking up a central role or playing further forward. His last four seasons in terms of goals are as follows: 13,20,14 and 10 this season already. Pretty impressive figures in the notoriously defensive Serie A, Insigne would have no doubt kept an eye on how quickly former team-mate Jorginho has settled into Premier League life and may be tempted to do the same.

Eden Hazard: Five players who could replace Chelsea star amid reports he has agreed Real Madrid move

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