Hazard worth more than £100m, says Chelsea boss Sarri

Maurizio Sarri believes Eden Hazard is worth more than £100million but said Chelsea will respect his wishes if he wants to leave for Real Madrid.

Belgium international Hazard struck a brilliant brace, including a sensational solo opener, in a 2-0 victory over West Ham on Monday that lifted Chelsea to third in the Premier League.

The sublime individual performance came amid intense speculation that LaLiga giants Madrid are preparing a long-anticipated transfer bid.

Widespread reports claim Chelsea will ask for £100m in order to relinquish their prized asset, but the club’s head coach expects more for a near-irreplaceable attacker.

“It’s too cheap,” Sarri told Sky Sports.

“We have seen every price in the last few transfer windows. I think it’s very hard to change Hazard with another player.”

‘That special goal was for you!’ @HazardEden10  #CHEWHU pic.twitter.com/4KPPxXnwNS

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 8, 2019

However, with just over 12 months left to run on Hazard’s contract, Sarri conceded Chelsea’s hand may be forced if the 28-year-old decides it is time to leave London.

“I’m sure the club doesn’t want to sell him,” the Italian added in his post-match media conference.

“But, of course, we all have to respect his decision. He’s in the last year of his contract [next season]. If he wants to have another experience, we’ll respect that.

“We’ll try, of course, in any way to convince him [to stay], but it’s not easy.

Asked whether Hazard has privately expressed a desire to leave, Sarri replied: “No, no. Not at the moment. He told me he has to decide.”

The former Lille forward has scored 19 goals in all competitions this season and claimed the Silver Ball at last year’s World Cup.