Chelsea are reportedly in the race to sign Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen, according to a report from Sport.
The Blues are planning to bolster their defensive options this summer following their slump in the second half of this season.
The Londoners have shortlisted a few top-quality centre-backs, with Huijsen among them.
The 19-year-old is a player on everyone’s lips after enjoying a stellar breakout campaign with the Cherries this term. He has established himself as a pillar in Andony Iraola’s defence, helping them fight for European places.
Unsurprisingly, Huijsen’s impressive performances have drawn interest from European heavyweights.
The Cherries will likely cash in on him this summer and he has a £50 million release clause in his contract.
Huijsen also made his senior debut with the Spanish national team last week, producing sublime performances across the two legs against the Netherlands in the Nations League quarter-finals to help his side qualify for the semi-finals.
Chelsea are expected to face tough competition from Real, who are understandably leading the race for his signature.
Moreover, Huijsen prefers a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, having been a huge admirer of Los Blancos.
The Blues are also keeping tabs on Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi as a potential target for the summer.
How will Huijsen fit in at Chelsea?
Despite boasting a packed squad, Chelsea still appear to be weaker in the defensive department.
Levi Colwill is the only player who has offered more promise while the likes of Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah look far off Chelsea’s standards.
Enzo Maresca’s side needs a top-quality defender with a higher ceiling to compete for major trophies.
Huisjen can be the missing piece of the puzzle as he is highly talented to lead the Blues’ backline.
His remarkable passing and carrying abilities combined with defensive astuteness make him one of the most highly-coveted defenders in Europe.
The former Juventus star also aligns with Chelsea’s transfer policy: Young, talented and can be part of the club’s long-term future.
He quickly adapted to the physical nature of the Premier League, and therefore, he wouldn’t have any difficulties bedding in at the Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea assembled one of the strongest squads last summer under the ownership of Clear Lake Capitals, but the historic London side are far off from being title contenders.
A slight tinkering of the squad, including the addition of Huijsen, would put Chelsea on the right path.
However, Chelsea may have to look elsewhere, with Huijsen leaning towards a move to Real Madrid.
