Real Madrid are stealing a march on Arsenal for one of Arsene Wenger’s long-term targets, the brilliant Belgian Eden Hazard. The 20-year old midfielder was a revelation for Lille in the French Ligue 1 last term and many believed he would be heading for English shores this summer. However his £25m price tag seemed to put off potential suitors despite their strong interest.

Now Mourinho has requested a detailed dossier on the exciting talent to be compiled by none other than Zidedine Zidane who is now Real’s sporting director with an official approach in January in the pipeline.