Chelsea transfer news: Anthony Martial to replace Eden Hazard?

Might Chelsea make a move for Anthony Martial if Manchester United decide the time has come to part company with the mercurial marksman?

According to The Daily Telegraph, the Blues “are among the clubs taking a keen interest” in the plight of the 22-year-old Frenchman, whose departure from Old Trafford has been mooted for some time.

Alarmed at the inconsistency his club has shown this season, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is determined to strengthen his squad in the off-season, although the Telegraph says if they fail to qualify for the Champions League they will be left “facing a shortfall between £50m and £70m”.

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Nonetheless that won’t prevent the Russian trying to cut a deal with United for Martial, with the two clubs on good terms following Nemanja Matic’s move to Old Trafford last summer. In addition, says the Telegraph, United gaffer Jose Mourinho “has made no secret of his ongoing admiration of Willian” and there may be an opportunity for him to land the Brazilian magician in exchange for letting the Blues have Martial.

Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be tailing Martial, with the Italians ready to pay £44m, but it’s by no means certain that United will sell the Gallic goalscorer if they believe it’s not in their best interests to do so.

The Guardian also carry news of Chelsea’s interest in Martial, and they add that Abramovich sees him as the man to fill the void if Eden Hazard bolts from the Blues.

Apparently the Stamford Bridge outfit are “braced for Real Madrid to firm up their long-standing interest” in their Belgian, and that’s spurred them into action vis-a-vis Martial. Not that they won’t allow Hazard to leave without a fight, with the Guardian reporting that Abramovich is “still hopeful Hazard will sign a new contract”.