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Real Madrid target Eden Hazard will stay at Chelsea, insists Maurizio Sarri

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Eden Hazard had been keen on signing for Real Madrid (Picture: Getty)

Maurizio Sarri insists hes no longer worried about Eden Hazard leaving the club and has instead challenged the Belgian to become the best in the world.

The 27-year-old was keen on joining Real Madrid following Cristiano Ronaldos move to Juventus and hinted after the World Cup that he was ready to make the move.

Sarri took the job knowing that both Thibaut Courtois and Hazard were wanted by Madrid but was always banking on keeping the winger, while he conceded privately that Courtois would go.

However, the Italian has admitted he did fear losing Hazard but says theres now no chance of him leaving given the transfer window has closed for Premier League clubs.

Chelsea's Italian head coach Maurizio Sarri looks on before the English Premier League football match between Huddersfield Town and Chelsea at the John Smith's stadium in Huddersfield, northern England on August 11, 2018. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE.No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications/ / OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images — Sarri feared losing Hazard (Picture: Getty)

I was concerned about this problem, said Sarri.

But the first time I spoke to him, I was sure he would stay. So I was concerned for 20 days, no more. Hazard, technically, is really one of the best in Europe in this moment. He has to work from the physical point of view, of course

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I have spoken to him very often in the last 10 days but he has never said to me anything about [leaving]. So I am sure Eden will be with us for this season.

Why am I sure? Because Chelsea are one of the most important clubs in Europe. I think one of the most important clubs in Europe cannot sell an important player without the possibility of buying a player on the same level.

More: Arsenal FC

Chelsea kicked off life under Sarri with a 3-0 win against Huddersfield last week and will play under the Italian at Stamford Bridge for the first time against Arsenal on Saturday.

Mateo Kovacic is yet to make his debut for the club since joining on loan from Real Madrid but Sarri has suggested he could feature against the Gunners.

In this moment, he has to work. I think hes not ready now for 90 minutes, but maybe, tomorrow, for the first 30 or the last 30 minutes he could be used, said Sarri.

I expect a lot from him because, for me, hes a very great player. In my opinion, he can improve more.

MORE: Unai Emery warns Mesut Ozil to step up his defensive work as Arsenal prepare for Chelsea clash

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