Real Madrid consider Dean Huijsen for centre back role amid Premier League interest

Real Madrid Club de Fútbol have settled on AFC Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen as their prime target to bolster their defensive line before the FIFA Club World Cup in a month. The 20-year-old Spanish centre back who joined Toulouse from Juventus Football Club last July for £12.8 million has seen interest from various Premier League giants such as the Chelsea Football Club, Arsenal Football Club and the Liverpool Football Club.Incoming Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, who is in line to succeed Carlo Ancelotti in a matter of several weeks, has put defensive reinforcements on top of his agenda with a shortlist of top players. Though William Saliba of Arsenal Football Club is still a “dream target” for Los Blancos, the French international is believed to be too costly as Arsenal is on the verge of giving him a new deal.Madrid has also shown interest in Liverpool Football Club’s Ibrahima Konaté, whose contract will also expire in June 2026, with negotiations reportedly stalling. However, the Spanish nationality of Huijsen and his preexisting relationship with Real Madrid, who tried to sign him before his signing with Juventus in 2021, can give the youngster an advantage in the transfer race.Deam Huijsen reportedly has a £50 million release clause in his current contract with AFC Bournemouth, which is said to be payable in three instalments – a discovery that has fast-tracked Real Madrid's pursuit of the rising defender.Chelsea football club had been early favourites to sign up Huijsen, but are now considering alternatives such as Jorrel Hato from Ajax and former Chelsea defender Marc Guehi, with Real Madrid going for the jugular.According to the reports in the Spanish media, Dean Huijsen has made it clear through his father that the Santiago Bernabéu is still his destination of choice, even if he has to settle for a less lucrative financial package than what the Premier League clubs can provide.Real Madrid will face their first opponents in the summer’s FIFA Club World Cup on June 18 when they play against Al-Hilal, and the summer transfer window will be open for a few days, from June 1 to June 10, exclusively for the registration of squads for the tournament.Also Read: Hansi Flick set to sign new Barcelona deal until 2027 after La Liga title win