Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Real Madrid attacker Eden Hazard.

Foot Mercato says the Belgium international has failed to make the grade at the Santiago Bernabeu since his move from Chelsea in 2019, with much of his time in the Spanish capital marred by persistent injuries. It has been a far cry from his days at Stamford Bridge where he established himself as one of the most potent attackers in the Premier League.

The Gunners have already held talks with Hazard's representatives earlier this week to feel out the possibility of striking a deal. In terms of structure, Arsenal's ideal scenario would be a loan for the 31-year-old with an option to buy.

Hazard would not be the first Chelsea star to eventually ply his trade in the red half of North London.

Petr Cech, David Luiz and Willian have all donned the Arsenal shirt in recent seasons, though none have managed to recreate the kind of success they enjoyed at the Bridge.