Maurizio Sarri is ready to make Eden Hazard the new Chelsea captain in an effort to keep him at the club and ward off interest from Real Madrid, according to reports.
The Belgium international is believed to be Real's top target to replace Cristiano Ronaldo at the Bernabeu after the Portuguese superstar moved to Juventus in an £88million deal.
Chelsea are reportedly demanding as much as £200m for Hazard - similar to the figure PSG paid for Neymar - even though the Belgian only has two years left on his contract and is refusing a new deal.
Sarri has so far resisted the urge to phone Hazard to convince him to stay and will instead make his case to the winger - as well as wantaway teammates Willian and Thibaut Courtois - in person.
According to The Sun, Sarri is desperate to work with Hazard next season and will ask him to be the club's new captain in an effort to keep him.
The Blues are likely to need a new skipper next season with Gary Cahill's place at the club under threat should they land £44m-rated Juve defender Daniele Rugani.
Sarri is mulling over other potential captain options, such as Cesc Fabregas and Cesar Azpilicueta, but will give it to Hazard if the armband will act as the extra motivation he needs to reject a move to Real Madrid.
Fabregas wore the armband for Chelsea's pre-season win over Perth Glory, while summer signing Jorginho is another option Sarri would consider if Hazard leaves.
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