Following Chelsea’s goalless preseason friendly versus Lyon, which the Blues won 5-4 in a penalty shoot out, manager Maurizio Sarri was asked about the futures of both forward Eden Hazard and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian pair are being pursued by Real Madrid who have to until the end of the month to get a deal(s) wrapped up.
Chelsea have until Thursday at 5 pm to purchase any potential reinforcements. Regarding Hazard, Sarri seemed pretty much certain that he’ll stay put. On Courtois, the Blues boss just plainly said he didn’t really know right now.
“I don’t see this problem in this moment,” Sarri said about the club future of Hazard, who wore the captain’s arm band when he came off the bench to make his first appearance for the club this preseason.
“I have spoken with Eden two or three times in the last two days. He has spoken of everything. I think this problem, the Hazard problem, is not present now.”
As for Courtois, he has yet to report to training, as he’s trying to force through his move to Madrid.
Asked is Courtois will leave the club, Sarri said after the game: “I don’t know. I think I am here just to talk about this match… I don’t know at this moment. I want to speak with my club. Then, altogether, we’ll decide about it.”
There have been multiple reports indicating that Chelsea have lined up Athletic Bilbao’s Kepa Arrizabalaga as a Courtois replacement. Again Sarri was unable or unwilling to provide clarity.
“If I don’t know anything about Courtois, I don’t know anything about Kepa,” the Italian said.
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