Chelsea and Manchester City both make stunning offers to sign Real Madrid star

Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester City have
both made offers to sign Real Madrid star Isco, according to
reports.
The Spanish star is no longer a guaranteed starter in Madrid,
he’s completed the entire 90 minutes just once in La Liga
this season, and as such, his future is somewhat up in the
air.
The 26-year-old is just coming into what should be the peak
seasons of his career and it looks like both Chelsea and City
are hoping that he will spend those years with their
respective clubs.
It is reported that both sides have made approaches for the
Spanish international, but it is not yet known if he is
interested in leaving Madrid or if the European champions
would be willing to let him leave.
With three years left on his contract, Madrid, if they do
decide to sell Isco, will demand a huge transfer fee and it
remains to be seen if either Premier League side will be
willing to meet what will surely be a nine-figure asking
price.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE CHELSEA SIGN ISCO?
Nicolas Pepe: Eden Hazard’s potential heir at Chelsea
In 2012, Eden Hazard joined Chelsea from Lille. Supremely
talented, the Belgian has proven an astute and shrewd
addition to the Blues. Real Madrid is keen. Should they
succeed in luring him to Spain, then Chelsea shouldn’t
hesitate to return to the northern tip of France for another
dazzler – Nicolas Pepe.
Michael Emenalo wanted a change. Chelsea’s Sporting
Director was exhausted of splashing exorbitant sums on
overpriced mercenaries. To achieve this, the Nigerian
borrowed some of Arsene Wenger’s books on economics.
After studies, he reckoned to invest in prospects rather than
pedigree could ultimately yield fruits.
He quickly set up an intricate scouting network across
Europe. Among the multitude of young migrants to
Stamford Bridge was promising 21-year-old Hazard. The
Belgian was captured from Lille after three incredible
seasons where he won the domestic double and player of
the season.
Hazard was a different breed, he oozed greatness all over.
He was truly something special. When he had the ball there
was no delay. He could dash pass defenders, leaving them
trailing in his wake. At just a little above 5 ft, the Belgian
wasn’t the strongest nor tallest. Yet like most diminutive
players, he possessed exceptional technique and intellect.
Nearly seven years after, the Blues will do themselves good
to return to Stade Pierre-Mauroy for Hazard’s potential
replacement. Even without Emenalo who isn’t at the club
any more. There lies another untapped precious jewel
capable of following the footsteps of Real-bound Hazard.
Pepe’s career kicked off pretty same time Hazard landed in
England. The Ivorian’s breakthrough came at French fifth
Division side, Pointers. A dazzler with an incredible eye for
goal, Pepe’s remarkable artistry sprung forth from the onset.
He only got nine chances to prove his worth and didn’t
disappoint. Not only was Pepe expressive and entertaining,
but he also grabbed two goals.
That sparring game time was enough to lure Angers – a side
four divisions above in the Ligue 1. But at Stade Raymond
Kopa, Pepe needed to bide his time patiently with the
reserve team. He had to convince everyone at the club. It
took the Ivorian three years, including a spell on loan at
Orleans.
Angers would be grateful they did. Better and reformed,
Pepe was ushered straight to the first team. Just one season
later, he swapped clubs again. This time he moved to Lille.
Last season, he was the standout performer in a poor Great
Danes’ side that flirted with relegation.
How does Pepe compare with Hazard?
Similar to Hazard, Pepe operates primarily from the right,
albeit, adept on the middle too. Although not exactly in the
same skilful league as the Belgium, he is a different kind of
player. Pretty more direct and precise, Pepe prefers to use
his stamina to work.
Both can perform agic with their feet, though. They have the
inert ability to drive defences with the speed of light,
bamboozling players around before slotting the ball home.
At 6ft tall, Pepe is a more dangerous presence in the box,
providing a direct threat himself or laying on chances for
others to finish. Hazard, meanwhile, diminutive fray doesn’t
allow him throw himself during set pieces.
Pepe has enjoyed a blistering start to the Ligue 1 season with
Lille. He has scored eight goals and laced five others in 13
Ligue 1 games, including a hat-trick in a 3-2 win over
Amiens.
Pepe’s tally of 13 combined goals and assists is, in fact, two
more than Hazard’s 11.