Arsenal wanted Hazard

Arsenal tried to sign long-term target Eden Hazard in the summer and could face competition from Real Madrid in January.

Real Madrid also watching Belgian playmaker ahead of January

Arsenal tried to sign long-term target Eden Hazard in the summer and could face competition from Real Madrid in January, according to the Belgian playmaker's agent. The 20-year-old has been linked with a move to Emirates Stadium for several years and the speculation increased after the sales of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. Hazard's agent, John Bico, claims Lille, having already sold Gervinho to Arsenal in July, refused to agree to another deal and they were under no pressure to do so. The Belgium international is contracted to the French champions until 2015 after signing a one-year extension in March in what could be perceived as a tactic to increase his value. Bico said in The Sun: "Arsene Wenger wanted Hazard, but Lille said no to the sale last summer. Real Madrid have been watching too." Hazard has also been linked with Chelsea and Liverpool in the past and is one of the hottest properties in Europe.