That’s the claim of Belgian journalist Kristof Terreur.
Hazard has long been linked with a switch to Spain to play for European champions Real, with boss Zinedine Zidane a big fan of the player.
And Terreur thinks the broken ankle the attacking ace picked up in training with Belgium in June could have seen a Madrid switch fall through.
“As long as Zidane is the manager it will always pop up,” he said on The Transfer Window podcast when quizzed about Hazard.
“But I think Chelsea are trying to convince him to sign a new contract.
“I think if he hadn’t injured himself at the end of last season during the international period with Belgium, it might have happened already.
“That has slowed down everything, as has the rise of (Marco) Asensio.”
Terreur added Hazard is happy in London and as yet not pushing for a move.
“He’s very happy in London, in Cobham,” he added. “He doesn’t like the limelight.
“His kids speak better English than him so that’s important to him, to his family life. That will play an important role too if he ever moves to Real Madrid.”
Hazard could play for Belgium tomorrow when they face Bosnia.
Roberto Martinez's side have already qualified to the World Cup next summer, but with Hazard still building up his fitness, the star man could play.
