Hazard close to agreeing record new Chelsea deal

The Belgian playmaker is on the verge of settling fresh terms that will extend his contract to at least 2019 and make him the highest-paid player in the club's history

EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey | UK Correspondent

Eden Hazard is close to agreeing a new contract that will make him the best-paid player in Chelsea's history, Goal understands.

Goal has learned that Hazard has been offered a deal worth just over €250,000-a-week plus performance-related bonuses.

The new deal would make him the highest paid player in the club's history, above current top earner Cesc Fabregas, whose total package is believed to be worth €250,000-a-week.

Jose Mourinho sanctioned the improved deal after having a heart-to-heart with the 23-year-old at the end of last season.

Mourinho had been concerned about Hazard's willingness to work for the benefit of the team, particularly in light of comments from the player in which he criticised the team's reliance on his own creative powers.

Goal understands that firm words were proffered from the manager but Mourinho was satisfied with Hazard's attitude and moved to ease fears the fan favourite could be tempted into a big-money transfer.

Hazard, whose current deal expires in 2017, subsequently opened contract talks with Chelsea in June after being persistently linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Speaking at the time, Hazard said: "I am staying at Chelsea 100 per cent. Of course in football you never know but I am under contract with Chelsea and want to stay there. It is only the beginning of talks right now so we have time."

The new deal for the No.10, who has started all four of Chelsea's matches this season, is expected to be tied up in the coming weeks.

Chelsea confirmed last week that Thibaut Courtois had also agreed a new five-year contract