Eden Hazard is likely to be the subject of much transfer talk this summer.
The Belgian has struggled to nail down a place in Zinedine Zidane's first team at the Bernabeu, with injuries hampering his progress.
Hazard's move from Chelsea was a 'dream' transfer for the forward, but it has slowly turned into something of a nightmare, so much so that there is talk, amongst the fanbase at least, that he could return to Stamford Bridge.
Hazard was seen laughing with his former Chelsea teammates after Real Madrid were knocked out of the Champions League by the Blues last week.
That action prompted outrage in the Spanish press, as some perceived his light-heartedness as an insult to the club he currently represents. It even sent one journalist into a wild frenzy, so much so that his angry rant went viral on social media.
Whilst the moment infuriated the hierarchy and fanbase at Real Madrid, Chelsea fans were delighted to see him smiling again at the ground he spent seven years performing on.
Could he return to west London, or are Real Madrid stuck with him?
Real Madrid confirm Hazard transfer stance
According to Spanish outlet ABC, Madrid were already growing tired of the frontman and his apparent lack of professionalism before his post-match joke with Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma.
They report that the LaLiga giants are willing to let Hazard go for a fee in the region of €50million (£43.4million).
However, ABC have also said that it is too early to assume what is going to happen, especially if Hazard refuses to leave the club. His contract, which is costing Madrid €26million per annum, runs until 2024, and they will give him another season to show his quality if he chooses to stay.
Swap deal for Mbappe?
Real Madrid are keen to use Hazard in a swap deal for PSG star Kylian Mbappe, according to the Daily Mail.
However, any move is unlikely to come to fruition, with the French giants seemingly not interested in taking the Belgian.
The Mail report that Madrid are "stuck with" Hazard, although that could all change if Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea were to show an interest in taking the prodigal son back.
Hazard apologises for what happened at full time
It took him nearly 24 hours to publicly speak out after so much criticism, but Hazard did eventually apologise to Madrid fans for his actions.
In a post on his Instagram story, he said: “I am sorry. I have read lots of opinions about me today and it was not my intention to offend the Real Madrid fans.
“It has always been my dream to play for Real Madrid and I came here to win,” he continued. “The season is not over and together we must now battle for La Liga! Hala Madrid.”
We’ll have to wait and see whether the reaction has impacted how he feels about staying at the club.
Fans plea for the Belgian to ‘come home’
During his time with Los Blancos, the 30-year-old has struggled with game time, primarily because of reoccurring injury problems. He has featured just 18 times in all competitions this season, but even when he has played, he’s looked a shadow of his former self.
Chelsea fans don’t want to see him tarnish his footballing reputation, and many would love nothing more than for him to showcase his talent in Chelsea blue once again.
That prospect is understandably exciting for most, particularly as the beloved star won six major honours, including two Premier League titles at the club.
Sadly for them however, this saga is just getting started.
