Four clubs in the Premier League have expressed authentic interest in Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen; however, the Spanish international is expected to prioritize a different transfer opportunity.
Huijsen, who recently celebrated his 20th birthday, has experienced a remarkable breakout season following his £12 million transfer from Juventus last year.
The young defender has played a pivotal role in Bournemouth’s successful campaign, which has resulted in a new club record for points with several matches remaining.
Although he was born in the Netherlands, Huijsen was raised in Spain from a young age and made his senior international debut for his adopted nation last month.
As a teenager, he substituted for fellow young player Pau Cubarsi in the first leg against the Netherlands and subsequently started in the return match.
His performances are said to have convinced Real Madrid of his potential, leading to early engagement with his representatives.
According to BBC Sport, there is genuine interest from Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle United.
A report from The Telegraph claims that the Blues have “moved to the front of the queue” and now “leading that race” for Huijsen.
His release clause, the existence of which the player himself has confirmed, stands at £50m and Chelsea are said to be willing to pay it.
Chelsea have longstanding interest and a particular plan for Huijsen – on the left of a centre-back pairing alongside Wesley Fofana – which they hope will be “attractive” to him, regardless of whether the Blues can immediately offer Champions League football or not.
An existing relationship between Huijsen’s agent and the club is also talked up as a factor in Chelsea’s favour.
However, Sky Sports explicitly state that “Chelsea are not favourites”, that the race is “wide open” and it is “too early” in the process to say which club Huijsen will join.
Both Sky and BBC state that Real Madrid would be the “priority” for Huijsen and that, contrary to Chelsea’s hopes and what The Telegraph relayed, Champions League football is a “factor”.
Beyond, England and Spain, Sky Sport Germany have reported Bayern Munich’s interest