Hazard's Dream: Fabregas Back at Chelsea, and the Serie A Star He'd Sign

Eden Hazard has been making a passionate case to his old mate Cesc Fabregas, telling the Spaniard it's time to return to Chelsea—this time as manager. The former Arsenal midfielder, currently steering Como to sixth place in Serie A after guiding them to promotion last season, has emerged as a candidate to replace Enzo Maresca following the Italian's sacking by BlueCo last month.

Liam Rosenior ultimately got the nod, having impressed at sister club Strasbourg, but Hazard remains convinced Fabregas is the man for the job. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Belgian waxed lyrical about his former teammate's credentials.

"I'll be honest. In the summer we talked a little," Hazard revealed. "I told him that he was one of the best midfielders in history and that he is destined to become one of the best coaches as well. I explained to him that it was time for him to go back to Chelsea and he joked about it, but I really think so. He loves soccer, he knows everything about this sport."

The Chelsea fan added: "I'm a Chelsea fan and I wish the best for the club: for this dream of seeing Cesc on the bench, while I'm in the stands, behind him, enjoying the show."

When asked which Serie A talent Fabregas should target if he took the Chelsea job, Hazard's answer was telling. "My kids are crazy about Kenan Yildiz," he said. "They watch a lot of videos with his plays and hope to see him in the Premier League. To me, on the other hand, he looks like a guy from Real Madrid."

Yet while Hazard dreams of Fabregas at Stamford Bridge, the Spaniard's name is circulating elsewhere. Manchester City have reportedly placed him on their shortlist as Pep Guardiola's potential successor, with growing speculation that the legendary manager will depart after a decade in charge. His contract runs until summer 2027, but sources close to Premier League rivals suggest his exit is increasingly likely.

City have dismissed talk of contingency planning as "pure speculation," though the rumour mill has intensified following Maresca's admission that he spoke with City before Chelsea sacked him. The Italian, who worked as Guardiola's assistant, sits alongside Xabi Alonso and Fabregas on City's managerial wish list.

Alonso, axed by Real Madrid in January, represents an intriguing proposition despite his Liverpool connections. Fabregas, however, is understood to be the third option—though sources suggest he would only contemplate leaving Como for a genuinely elite position. Few jobs come bigger than replacing Guardiola at the Etihad.