Zidane moves to scupper Arsenal playmaker bid - reports

Zinedine Zidane has reportedly attempted to persuade Lille not to entertain any approaches from Arsenal for Eden Hazard.

According to The Mirror, Zidane - Real Madrid's director of football - has put the Hazard at the top of his wish-list, and hopes to beat the Gunners to the Belgian's signature.

Arsenal are understood to have made an initial enquiry for Hazard during the summer as Arsene Wenger scoured the market for midfield reinforcements.

The Arsenal boss ultimately added Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun to his ranks, but is thought to maintain a long-standing interest in Hazard.




 

Zidane, meanwhile, is said to be going all out to ensure the 20-year-old playmaker moves to the Santiago Bernabeu next summer, which could hasten Arsenal's interest in January.

Wenger is expected to make significant moves when the transfer window reopens, having yet to adequately compensate for the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.