23 August 2011

Hazard to Arsenal part 137

But this time it's the BBC ... Lille midfielder Eden Hazard has emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal. The 20-year-old Belgium international is under contract until 2015 with a reported value of £26m. The Gunners are weighing up a bid for Hazard as they look to replace Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, who is poised to join Manchester City.

Hazard was named Ligue 1 player of the year after Lille's league and cup double last season. BBC Sport understands Arsenal have been monitoring Hazard closely and could make a move for the player before the transfer window shuts on 31 August.

But the French champions say they will rebuff any offer from the Gunners or any other club. Lille general manager Frederic Paquet told BBC Sport: "Eden will not be leaving this season. "We are aware of interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe but we are not prepared to sell.""

UPDATE 24/09/11:
Arsenal target Eden Hazard has once again reaffirmed his commitment to Lille by ruling out a move to the Emirates this summer.