Hazard to Real difficult to stop -Higuain

Chelsea striker Gonzalo Higuain has told ESPN it will be hard to change Eden Hazard’s mind if he wants to leave the club.

Hazard scored twice during a scintillating performance as Chelsea defeated West Ham 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, prompting manager Maurizio Sarri to argue he was worth more than £100 million amid interest from Real Madrid.

After Hazard’s brilliance lifted Sarri’s side up to third in the Premier League with five matches left to play, teammate Higuain was asked about the possibility of him leaving for La Liga.

“What can I tell you? Those are things that involve the club executives and the desire of the player,” the ex-Real Madrid forward said. “When a player has a desire, it is difficult to change his mind.”

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Chelsea fear there is little they can do to avoid Hazard leaving to join Zinedine Zidane at the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer.

Talks over a contract extension which would make him Chelsea’s highest-paid player ever have stalled, and, with just a year left on his deal, Chelsea could be forced into selling but Higuain hopes Hazard will remain at the club.

“He is one of the best [in the world],” Higuain said. “It is obvious that, when he is at this level, he gives you points, he gives you goals and the truth is that it is a great asset to have him with us.”

“Here what matters is Eden’s decision and the decision of the board. I cannot do anything. He has not asked me [about life in Madrid] but if it’s what makes him happy, I wish him the best. I hope he can stay.”

Higuain also said he is eager to extend his own stay in London after joining the club on loan in January.

The Argentinian, 31, spent the first half of the season on loan at AC Milan from parent club Juventus, but left for Chelsea early this year and has scored three goals in eight Premier League appearances since arriving at Stamford Bridge.

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Chelsea could exercise their option to buy Higuain for £31.3 million in the summer or they could extend his loan for another season.

The forward wants to remain at the club and has his eyes set on playing in the Champions League in 2019/20.

“If I stay here [these last few months] will obviously help me,” he said.

“This has been an adaptation [to the Premier League] and I am trying to give everything to be in Champions League. And I hope that I can stay here [next season].”

Chelsea’s final games include difficult visits to title contenders Liverpool and top four rivals Manchester United, two matches Higuain is targeting in the run-in.

“[The Liverpool and United trips] are two key matches for Champions League [qualification]. But also the other three that we have left, which are Burnley, Watford and Leicester away from home. They are five finals that we have to fight in to get a place in the Champions League.”