Maurizio Sarri has admitted it is “not easy” for Chelsea to convince Eden Hazard to stay.
Hazard scored both goals – the first of which was a brilliant solo effort – in a 2-0 win over London rivals West Ham at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.
It took the Blues up to third in the Premier League table and Hazard’s goal tally for the season to 19.
And Sarri admitted that Chelsea simply cannot afford to lose Hazard to Real Madrid this summer.
“From a technical point of view, not at the moment,” Sarri said.
“Also because it is impossible to find another Hazard. At the moment there isn’t another Hazard, the level is so high.
“I hope that Hazard can stay here. Otherwise we have to try something different.”
Hazard’s contract expires next year and Chelsea face the prospect of having to sell him if he will not sign a new deal this summer.
He has made no secret of his ambition to play for Real, who are expected to make an offer for him of around £85m
“I am sure the club does not want to sell him. But we all have to respect his decision,” said Sarri.
“He is in the last season of his contract and if he wants to have another experience we will have to respect it.
“We will try of course in any way to convince him, but it’s not easy.”