• Premier League

Lille stand firm over Arsenal target Hazard

ESPNsoccernet staff
June 24, 2011
Eden Hazard has been linked with many of Europe's top clubs after an impressive season © Getty Images
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Lille general manager Frederic Paquet is confident that Eden Hazard will still be playing for the French champions next season, despite reported interest from Paris Saint Germain, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Arsenal.

Hazard, 20, has been attracting the attention of some of Europe's biggest clubs over the past 18 months, with United, Real and Arsenal all heavily linked with a move for the precocious winger.

Ligue 1 rivals PSG are the latest club tipped to bid for the Belgium international, with the Parisians' new Qatari owners thought to be ready to bankroll an offer for Hazard.

But despite the player publicly entertaining the interest of some of his suitors, Lille are determined to hold onto Hazard as they look to consolidate ahead of a return to Champions League football next season.

Paquet told RMC: "Eden is not for sale. He will not be leaving this summer, whether to Paris or anywhere else. The president has been very clear about this. He will be with us next season."

Hazard scored seven goals in 37 games for Lille last season and contributed eight assists as the club ended its 46-year wait for the Ligue 1 title.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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