Cesc Fabregas speaks on Eden Hazard's future

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has urged Eden Hazard to stay put with the club, admitting that the Belgian remains crucial to their prospects of winning trophies next season.

The Belgium international has flirted with the idea of joining Real Madrid in recent years and the speculation over his future has recently intensified after he suggested that he may seek a fresh challenge away from the Blues.

Despite this, Fabregas believes the attacker remains key to the club's success in the upcoming campaign and the Blues cannot afford to lose him in the ongoing transfer window.

"I think he's our best player. We are a top club, we want to be a top team, we want to win things, and for that you need your best players. Eden is one of them," he told Sky Sports.

"He's a player that we all love to play with, especially me. For us, he's our most important player. Everyone loves him - the fans, the club, the players, and we need him. He knows that."

Chelsea and Real Madrid are said to be close to agreeing on a £170m package for Hazard's transfer and this would make him the second-most expensive signing in footballing history.

Hazard has netted 89 goals in exactly 300 appearances for the Blues. He has helped them to win two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup and the Europa League crown during this period.