Eden Hazard isn't holding back. The Chelsea legend wants his old teammate Cesc Fabregas in the Stamford Bridge dugout, and he's not shy about saying it.
Hazard opened up to Gazzetta dello Sport about his dream scenario. He told Fabregas during the summer that "it's time for him to go back to Chelsea." The Belgian sees his former midfield partner as destined for greatness on the touchline.
"I told him that he was one of the best midfielders in history and that he is destined to become one of the best coaches as well," Hazard explained. "I'm a Chelsea fan and I wish the best for the club. I dream of seeing Cesc on the bench while I'm in the stands behind him, enjoying the show."
The timing is interesting. Chelsea recently appointed Liam Rosenior after sacking Enzo Maresca last month. Fabregas was actually linked with the job but the Blues went with Rosenior, who impressed at sister club Strasbourg.
Yildiz on Hazard's Wishlist
When asked which Serie A star Fabregas should sign for Chelsea, Hazard had an answer ready. Juventus wonderkid Kenan Yildiz gets his seal of approval, even if Hazard thinks the Turkish talent might be Real Madrid material.
"My kids are crazy about Yildiz. They watch a lot of videos with his plays and hope to see him in the Premier League," Hazard said. The 19-year-old has been valued at around £87 million and would represent a serious statement signing for any Premier League club.
For punters looking at Chelsea's next moves, this adds another dimension. Any managerial uncertainty at Stamford Bridge could impact their odds for top-four finishes and cup competitions.
Man City Enter the Race
Here's where things get spicy. Fabregas isn't just on Chelsea's radar. Manchester City are reportedly eyeing the Como boss as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola.
There's growing speculation that Guardiola might leave after a decade at the Etihad. His contract runs until 2027, but whispers around the Premier League suggest he could walk away sooner. City have dismissed this as "pure speculation," but the rumours won't die down.
Fabregas sits on City's shortlist alongside Xabi Alonso and Enzo Maresca. The Spaniard has worked wonders at Como, taking them to tenth in Serie A last season after promotion. They're now sitting sixth and chasing European football.
Sources say Fabregas would "only leave for one of the biggest jobs in the Premier League or Europe." Well, replacing Guardiola at City certainly qualifies. So does a return to Chelsea where he won two Premier League titles as a player.
The managerial merry-go-round could shake up the betting markets significantly. Keep an eye on both Chelsea and City's odds as this story develops.
