Chelsea's two-window transfer ban is the latest setback to Maurizio Sarri's revolution and one which is likely to further increase the chances of Eden Hazard departing Stamford Bridge.
The Blues were recently hit with the punishment from FIFA for breaking rules over the signing of minors in recent years, though the club have since confirmed that they are set to appeal the sanction, in a move which could delay the ban by up to a year.
Eden Hazard pushed closer to the exit by Chelsea's Fifa transfer ban | @Matt_Law_DThttps://t.co/LuramYgeYl
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) February 22, 2019
It has been suggested that the punishment could prompt Chelsea to tie down Hazard due to their inability to sign an adequate replacement. However, according to the Telegraph, the ban could in fact see the club come under further pressure to sell the Belgian superstar.
It is suggested that the ban will increase Chelsea's need to cash in on the 28-year-old while they still have the chance, with Hazard's current contract in west London due to expire in the summer of 2020.
Chelsea could risk losing the forward for nothing by that time, with little indication so far to suggest that the Belgian could extend his stay at Stamford Bridge amid constant links with a move to Real Madrid.
Abramovich: "So Eden, as you know - we have a transfer ban and we'd really appreciate it if you stayed one more season until we can sign a suitable replacement for you."
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) February 22, 2019
Hazard: pic.twitter.com/tTI8QZbKd3
The Blues could be keen to sell Hazard sooner rather than later given their ban, in order to reinvest any fee they receive on a replacement before their embargo kicks in.
Hazard is said to be valued at £100m by Chelsea, and the club's ability to draw in such a fee for their star man could only serve to increase their need to cash in while they are still able to do so.
Transfer ban? No problem.
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) February 22, 2019
Chelsea have an entire loan army they can recall. pic.twitter.com/cz40oddH6c
The Belgian could apparently see his wages raised to around £400,000-a-week if he signs the fresh terms on offer from Chelsea.
However, it seems increasingly likely that the Belgian favours a move to Real Madrid, amid fears that the the transfer ban could harm Chelsea's chances of competing among Europe's elite.
Chelsea have been given a two-transfer window ban for breaching rules around the transfer of minors. Spurs have just completed their two window ban and have been fine.....I know, it wasn’t a ban.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) February 22, 2019
Hazard is a two-time Premier League champion and has won the FA Cup and the Europa League with Chelsea, and will be looking to guide the Blues to victory in the Carabao Cup in Sunday's final against Manchester City.
Source : 90min