New Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has warned there will be departures from the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
Former Blues boss Ancelotti has returned to Real Madrid after six years having initially taken charge of the club between 2013 and 2015.
He has taken over from Zinedine Zidane, who walked away from his role for a second time at the end of this season, with Los Blancos appointing Ancelotti from Everton before presenting the experienced Italian to the media and supporters at home on Wednesday afternoon.
And it did not take Ancelotti long to speak about the future of Eden Hazard, who has disappointed since his more than £100milion move from Chelsea in 2019.
He said in his press conference: "He is a top player. He has had problems in his first year. He still has not reached his maximum potential, but he is going to do it because he wants to.
"When you're motivated...This could be the year he reaches his full potential."
That seemed to put to bed any talk of a potential Chelsea return amid plenty of rumours about Real Madrid selling the Belgian due to his poor form and the fact he has missed more than 60 games through injury so far.
But Ancelotti has also warned he will be trimming the squad before the start of next season, so there may be at least some hope for Chelsea fans who want to see Hazard return.
"Speaking of the squad, it's very good, a mix of experienced players like [Toni] Kroos, [Gareth] Bale, [Karim] Benzema, and a group of young players of a lot of quality...Rodrygo, Vinicius, [Federico] Valverde," he added.
"The squad is quality. but we have to reduce it a little."
Hazard has made only 30 La Liga appearances for Los Blancos since 2019, only netting four goals to-date.
