Real Madrid’s doubts over whether they can afford Dean Huijsen have left Chelsea in pole position to sign the Bournemouth defender this summer.
Huijsen’s contract contains a £50m release clause and he is attracting interest from English and European clubs. He has been a standout performer for Bournemouth this season and is a key target for Chelsea, who are keen to add a ball-playing centre-back to their ranks.
A potential stumbling block for Chelsea, who could also face competition from Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle, is that Madrid have been monitoring the Spain international. Sources have indicated that Huijsen – who has just turned 20 – would favour a move to the Bernabéu if it were on the table.
Yet Madrid are understood to be unsure over whether funds are available. The club have not been in the habit of paying big fees for signings in recent years. They have looked to get players on free transfers and are closing in on a deal for the Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Chelsea have been working behind the scenes on a deal for Huijsen. They have a good relationship with the player’s representatives and want to wrap up the signing before the Club World Cup, which begins in mid-June.
Part of Huijsen’s appeal is that he is two-footed and adept at playing out from the back. Enzo Maresca puts a heavy emphasis on possession and believes his plans have been compromised by Wesley Fofana’s fitness problems. The centre-back is out for the season after another hamstring injury.
Chelsea have also looked at Ajax’s Jorrel Hato, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. A striker is also a priority, with Ipswich’s Liam Delap and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko shortlisted. Chelsea are keen to bring in a winger and have considered Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens.
