Chelsea transfer latest: Five potential Eden Hazard replacements including Wilfried Zaha, Philippe Coutinho and Antoine Griezmann

Chelsea’s victory over Arsenal in the Europa League Final on Wednesday was somewhat bittersweet.

On one hand, the Blues had crushed their London rivals with an emphatic 4-1 victory in Baku and provided fans with one of the most heart-warming moments of the season.

Eden Hazard may well have played his last game for Chelsea

The sight of Maurizio Sarri cradling his medal atop the podium in the balmy Azerbaijani capital was enough to melt the hearts of even the Italian’s most ardent critics.

But the mood was brought crashing back to a sombre tone for Blues fans as Eden Hazard all but confirmed he was leaving to join Real Madrid this summer.

The Belgium captain scored twice to help his team lift their first European trophy since 2013 and was virtually unplayable on the night; traits which have placed him firmly in Zinedine Zidane’s sights.

Chelsea are still yet to lodge an appeal over their two-window transfer ban with the Court of Arbitration of Sport, but it seems inevitable they will.

The Belgian scored twice in Baku against Arsenal

LaLiga clubs Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid have all been sanctioned for similar offences in the past, but the Premier League side have strongly refuted claims they breached regulations around signing players under the age of 18.

If the ban is overturned, replacing Hazard will be the first thing Sarri will have to do. Although a player of his quality is rare to see, Chelsea fans have grown accustomed to seeing world-class players strut their stuff on the Stamford Bridge turf.

So who could come in and replace him? talkSPORT.com has identified five potential replacements for the mercurial magician who could come in and take the coveted No.10 shirt.

Christian Pulisic

Perhaps the easiest suggestion on this list, Pulisic has finally completed his deal to Chelsea after agreeing to the move back in January.

The USA international can play in either the No.10 role or on the left flank, making him a like-for-like replacement almost.

As with Hazard when he first joined in 2012, Chelsea fans will have to be patient with the 20-year-old after his arrival from Borussia Dortmund.

But the potential of the £58million man is clear for all to see.

Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona)

Philippe Coutinho has struggled at Barcelona since his big-money move from Liverpool

A move that would not go down well in the red half of Merseyside, Chelsea signing Coutinho is not beyond the realms of possibility.

The former Liverpool midfielder made a £142million move to Barcelona back in January 2018, but has struggled at Camp Nou.

As a result, the blaugrana are willing to cut their losses and Coutinho wants to play regular football.

The Brazilian is already familiar with the Premier League and, given Barca’s willingness to move him on, may be available for a reduced price.

Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)

Wilfried Zaha wants to get a move to a Champions League club

Zaha has dazzled and delighted the Selhurst Park faithful for pretty much the entirety of his career, but wants to move on this summer.

The Ivory Coast international has expressed his desire to play in the Champions League, making Chelsea ideal candidates.

A move to Manchester United in 2013 proved unsuccessful for the 26-year-old, but he is far more mature now and has added consistency to his game.

Arsenal were interested, but the Europa League beckons once again for them next season and the fact Zaha does not have to leave London may well put the Blues in pole position.

Nicolas Pepe (Lille)

The Lille winger has lit up Ligue 1 this season

For fans not familiar with winger should get to know him because Pepe could well be the most in-demand player this summer.

The 24-year-old has attracted interest from across Europe following a thrilling campaign with Lille, scoring 22 goals and providing 11 assists as Christophe Galtier’s side finished second.

Pepe’s agent confirmed his client had spoken to both Manchester United and Arsenal earlier this month, but failure to qualify for the Champions League has hindered both sides’ chances.

Lille are willing to sell their star man, but only for around £80million, a figure Roman Abramovich may baulk at.

Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)

Beating Manchester United and Barcelona to the signing of Griezmann would be a huge statement of intent from Chelsea

Like Zaha, Griezmann has confirmed he will be moving on to bigger things this summer after five years with Atletico.

The 28-year-old had seemed set to move to Barcelona, but his disparaging comments last summer have reportedly discouraged the Catalonians from making a move.

Throughout his career, Griezmann has missed just ONE game though injury and his records as both a goal scorer and a creator are exemplary.

Atletico have insisted they will not let the France international leave for less than his €108million release clause, meaning Chelsea have a chance to send a message to the rest of their rivals.

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