Dean Huijsen to SNUB £50m Chelsea switch as transfer preference comes to light

Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen has attracted plenty of admirers but the Spanish defender is seemingly prioritising a move to Real Madrd ahead of Arsenal or Chelsea

Bournemouth centre-half Dean Huijsen is set to reject both Chelsea and Arsenal this summer as he pursues a move to Real Madrid, it has been claimed. The defender has enjoyed a stellar year with the Cherries, putting a number of Europe's top clubs on alert.

Huijsen has only spent a year on the south coast having joined from Juventus for just over £12million but is expected to be on the move again this summer. The 20-year-old has a £50m release clause in his deal with Bournemouth, making him easily attainable.

The Cherries star has just been capped by Spain and was previously on the books of Malaga, but could now join the country's biggest club. Marca report that Huijsen’s father has made it clear to Real Madrid that they are his son's first-choice destination.

Chelsea have made it their model go after younger players, several of whom have thrived. The report claims they have already made an offer but Huijsen only has eyes for Real as things stand.

Los Blancos have also learned that Huijsen's release clause can be paid in three instalments, freeing up more cash for them to conduct their summer business. That would be another positive for their prospective new head coach, Xabi Alonso, who wants to make two signings before the Club World Cup starts next month.

Los Blancos tried to sign Huijsen in 2021 but ended up losing out to Juventus, however, the club's powerbrokers have maintained a good relationship with the defender’s father. Huijsen could yet be joined by Trent Alexander-Arnold after he announced his Liverpool exit.

The Bernabeu has long been touted as his next destination and Real are now poised to land the Englishman on a free after seeing a previous bid for the 26-year-old knocked back in January. The club are set to react following what looks set to be a trophyless season.

Bournemouth could see more of their shining lights leave this summer after mounting a European charge in what is their best ever Premier League season. Despite that manager Andoni Iraola is not sweating about key exits, accepting it as part of the package.

He said: "We will focus on trying to improve the team, and add new players if we can, and if some player leaves because someone comes with what the club considers to be a good offer, we have to be ready for those situations, but not with fear. It is something that all the clubs, especially the ones who are not at the highest level like the top, top teams, have to get used to."