Cesar Azpilicueta: Chelsea could cope with Eden Hazard exit

Cesar Azpilicueta has insisted that Chelsea would be able to cope with the loss of key stars such as Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois in the summer transfer window.

Hazard has been heavily linked with a summer transfer to Real Madrid in recent days, with Courtois also touted as a possible target for the Spanish giants.

Costa’s future also remains somewhat unclear after the Spain international was heavily linked with a switch to China in the January transfer window.

However, Azpilicueta believes that Chelsea would be able to cope with the exits of key players this summer.

Asked about the transfer speculation surrounding his Chelsea team-mates, Azpilicueta told The Guardian: “It would be a shame because we have a great team.

“But the club will work on it with the coach and the technical staff. They will know what he wants. We need to get this season finished first.

“Then there will be all sorts of rumours. In the end I’m sure we will have a very competitive team again.”

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Chelsea are currently flying high at the top of the Premier League table as they look to win the title in Antonio Conte’s first season in charge.

The Blues are also through to the FA Cup semi-finals as they chase a domestic double under their new Italian manager.