• Premier League

Profits may prevent move for Hazard - Wenger

ESPNsoccernet staff
February 7, 2012
Eden Hazard remains a target for Arsenal © Getty Images
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Arsene Wenger says he remains interested in signing Lille playmaker Eden Hazard, but the need to generate a healthy annual profit for Arsenal could prove a stumbling block.

Hazard has been tracked by the Arsenal manager for some time, with reports last October suggesting the Premier League club made contact with Lille over a transfer. Chelsea and Real Madrid have also been linked with Hazard, but Wenger insists he will continue to pursue the €30 million-rated Belgian if Arsenal's profit margin can be maintained.

"You should know that each season, it is imperative to show a profit of between fifteen and twenty million pounds," said Wenger. "I would add that the purpose of a coach is to always buy at a price he sees fit.

"I really like him [Hazard] and, for several reasons: it's his creative power, his ability to mis-align the opponent, his vision of the game and his consummate skill to address the last pass which make him a very interesting player.

"Hazard has what it takes to play for a top-level club, and Arsenal are a top-level club."

Wenger also confirmed the club will tour Asia and Africa this summer, playing games in Seoul, Beijing and Hong Kong before travelling to the Nigerian capital of Abuja.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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