Chelsea to offer Hazard for Bonucci but Juventus want Fabregas

Posted Monday, October 10, 2016 by Tribalfootball.com

Chelsea are preparing to offer up Eden Hazard as their pursuit for a new central defender reaches desperation stage.

The Sun is reporting that Antonio Conte's Blues are willing to part with Hazard in an exchange deal involving Juventus star Leonardo Bonucci.

Conte has made no secret of his desire to sign Italy international Bonucci who formed part of his rock solid three-man defence during his time in Turin.

The 29-year-old centre-back is Conte's number one priority this winter after the ex-Azzurri boss was unsuccessful in his £50million pursuit in the summer.

In a bid to keep costs down, Chelsea will offer the services of Belgian playmaker Hazard to the Old Lady of Turin but it is understood that Juventus manager Max Allegri wants Cesc Fabregas instead.

25-year-old Hazard is yet to prove himself to Conte following a disappointing 2015/16 season and could be sacrificed for the improvement of a struggling defence.

The Spaniard has been heavily linked with the Bianconeri in recent times as he is seen as the perfect player to step into the role once filled by Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba.

Fabregas, however, is worth much less on the open market than Hazard due to his age which would force the West Londoners to offer more cash than they want to on Bonucci.