Maurizio Sarri: Eden Hazard is not leaving

On eve of Chelsea's EPL opener against Huddersfield today, Blues boss Sarri insists Eden Hazard is happy at Stamford Bridge despite Real Madrid interest

Maurizio Sarri expects Chelsea to keep Eden Hazard and despite the transfer window remaining open in Europe. Hazard has been linked with Real Madrid. Sarri, speaking ahead of today's Premier League opener at Huddersfield, said: "I think it's impossible. Here the market is closed, so we cannot replace important players now. It's impossible."

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois left Chelsea for Real Madrid this week, urging his Belgium teammate Hazard to join him in future. "Hazard is with us," Sarri said. "I think definitely. It's not a problem. I have spoken with him three, four times for everything. He never said something about the market. I think he's very happy to stay here."

Maurizio Sarri

Hazard's contract runs until June 2020 and he has been mulling over the offer of an extension for some time. Sarri believes Hazard will commit to the club. Sarri added: "I don't want to discuss about contracts. It's not my job. My job is on the pitch. My job is to improve the players. My job is to try to win matches. It's not to sign new contracts. I have seen a player very happy to stay here. So I think it will not be a problem, the new contract."

Sarri suggested there will be departures before the end of the month, with the likes of Belgium striker Michy Batshuayi and France midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko linked with loan moves.

"Now I think the squad is too large. So I think some players have to go on loan. I don't know who at the moment. I prefer to have 23, 24 players and three, four, very young players. No more."

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