Chelsea to use Hazard as makeweight in shock deal for new defender

Chelsea are prepared to offer Eden Hazard plus cash for Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci, according to The Sun, via Football Italia.

Antonio Conte is desperate to sign Bonucci after failing to land the Italy international in the summer and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is reportedly willing to bankroll major investment in January to get Conte the players he wants.

The Blues have made an unconvincing start to the season under Conte and the Chelsea manager is now willing to part ways with star player Hazard in order to convince Juventus to let go of Bonucci.

It remains to be seen whether Hazard ranks highly in Max Allegri’s plans, as his arrival would likely result in a change in formation.

In the last four Premier League campaigns Hazard has completed more dribbles than any other player (431).

For more stats on Eden Hazard, click here to visit his WhoScored player page