Andy Gray hints at possible Chelsea-Wilfried Zaha move to replace Eden Hazard

The Ivory Coast international has scored nine goals and assisted thrice this season.

As the end of Premier League's 2018-19 season beacons, rumors of Eden Hazard finally leaving Chelsea for Real Madrid are getting momentum. Amidst the unrest, commentator and pundit, Andy Gray has hinted that Chelsea might be looking at Crystal Palace ace Wilfried Zaha to replace their Belgian forward.

"Well they might buy Wilfried Zaha, somebody was suggesting to me,” Gray responded to former Chelsea midfielder Gus Poyet on air when Poyet was discussing what might the move mean for the Londoners.

"The problem is, if they go backwards losing Hazard, then next year there’s no chance of being in the top four," Poyet said on beIN SPORTS.

Hazard, despite the inconsistent performance of his Chelsea teammates, has scored 16 times (eighth highest) while assisting another 13 goals (joint highest with Ryan Fraser).

“Without Hazard, this same team, no chance," Poyet added.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is an old admirer of Hazard and with a massive restructuring coming at Bernabeu at the end of the season, it is safe to assume the Belgian will be in the French tactician's wishlist for the summer.

Hazard is expected to replace Wales star Gareth Bale at the Bernabeu next season. However, Zidane insisted that both players can play together, unlike what recent rumors will make it out to be.

ALSO READ

Talking Points: Did David de Gea's howler cost United three points?

UEFA Champions League 2018-19: Five key battles which could decide the semi-finals

"All the good players can play together," he said. "People before said I could not play with Djorkaeff. Do you remember? What craziness." 

Former Rangers and Sunderland footballer Ally McCoist was also present in the studio and let his admiration for the Ivory Coast international known in the discussion.

“[Zaha] is [a terrific player],” McCoist said before adding, “I think he’s a great talent, I really do think he’s a great talent."

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

However, the 56-year-old also believes it will be impossible for both Chelsea and Zaha to replace Eden Hazard once he leaves Stamford Bridge.

"But I honestly believe Hazard will be almost irreplaceable," he said. “That’s the value he has been for Chelsea this year," he went on saying.