According to The Independent, Chelsea are seen as the front-runner for Dean Huijsen ahead of their rivals like Arsenal, Liverpool and even Real Madrid. The Bournemouth star is faced with a decision on his immediate future, as he reportedly remains open to a switch to Stamford Bridge.
A host of top clubs are in the mix for Dean Huijsen ahead of the summer window. The newly-capped Spanish international has been sensational in his debut Premier League season with Bournemouth, and a £50 million release clause in his contract there has made things interesting for a few suitors.
Huijsen is widely tipped to leave Bournemouth in the close season, as a host of teams like Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have held talks with his camp. All of those teams are ready to match the release clause to get him on board, with the likes of the Gunners and Reds are in a good position to offer Champions League football.
Real Madrid have reportedly abandoned their chase, as reports have stated Huijsen prefers to stay in the Premier League. For the £50 million-rated Premier League defensive sensation to leave Bournemouth and join a new club, he will want guarantees of a regular spot in the lineup, something he might struggle to find at Real Madrid or even Liverpool and Arsenal.
However, with the Premier League duo, he will be seen as a rotational option to their existing first-choice centre-backs. Huijsen’s ability to operate on either side of central defence does make him a solid option for those sides to continue, although Liverpool and Arsenal might be behind at the moment to Chelsea in the race.
Chelsea are reportedly confident of winning the Huijsen chase, as they are probably able to guarantee him a starting spot in their side. The Blues are also known to offer longer-term deals than normal, with the report stating they are willing to offer the Spaniard a seven-year deal should he join.
The report then suggests Huijsen prefers a move to Stamford Bridge over their rivals, although this stance could change with time. For now, Chelsea can consider themselves ahead of the competition, which could be enhanced if they make it into the top five, as the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool could guarantee him Champions League football next season.
