Few signings can compare to Chelsea's capture of Eden Hazard in the recent history of the Premier League.

Since turning his back on Lille in 2012, the 27-year-old has reaffirmed himself as one of the most talented players in England and Europe as a whole. His six seasons at Stamford Bridge have seen him score 84 goals as well as winning two Premier League titles, the League Cup and the Europa League.

Hazard's importance to the Blues has been no more apparent than this season, too.

It's been hard to put your finger on exactly where Chelsea stand in 2017-18 with each brilliant result followed by a disappointing one. 

Third place is far from a disgrace but Antonio Conte's men are a gargantuan 15 points away from retaining their title. Couple that with the increasing pressure on the manager and a tumultuous transfer window; you get the impression that all isn't well at Chelsea.

Eden Hazard linked with Chelsea exit

The situation certainly isn't helped by the unrelenting transfer links surrounding Hazard, either. Not a transfer window goes by without their star man being linked with a move to Real Madrid in particular.

It's an issue that has somewhat slipped under the radar recently despite Hazard, now 27, reaching his peak and his club holding a long shot at the Champions League at best.

The potential issue hasn't evaded Frank Lampard, though, who wasn't shy about voicing his concerns as part of his column in the Evening Standard.

Now a pundit with BT Sport, Lampard had some serious words if advice for his old club and he couldn't have put it better.

Lampard offers Chelsea his advice

“Chelsea have to show the ambition – if they want both of them to stay there, they have to keep adding to the squad in the right way," he expounded.

“Great players such as Hazard and Courtois will always be looked at by Real Madrid, so to protect yourself you need to get them on long contracts.

“With the kind of money being spent elsewhere, Chelsea have to keep moving forward and recruiting new talent to play around them.

“The club can’t lose what they’ve got. Hazard is the main person there. He is 27 and a player of his ability has his prime years ahead of him. He will want to challenge for the Champions League but the club have to match that ambition as well.”

When you boast one of the most talented players in world football, complacency is certainly a risky business.

Time is ticking for Hazard to reach the goals his technical ability and performances show he can reach. Two league titles and a League Cup would, after all, see him shortchanged.

Do you think Chelsea can afford to lose Eden Hazard? Have your say in the comments section below.