Chelsea have stepped up their transfer interest in Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen as they attempt to beat Premier League rivals Liverpool and Arsenal to his signature.
It feels like the Chelsea squad may only be two or three signings away from challenging for the major trophies next season, so it’ll be interesting to see who they welcome to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, who turned 20 in April, has been strongly linked with the Blues.
Blues head coach Enzo Maresca wants to sign a ball-playing central defender in the upcoming transfer window, so the Bournemouth centre-half certainly ticks that box.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano previously reported via X that Huijsen has a £50m release clause in his deal on the South Coast amid interest from Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.
Chelsea make proposal to Dean Huijsen, his father is pleased
Journalist Simon Phillips claimed via Substack on Wednesday that Chelsea are the first and only suitor for Bournemouth star Huijsen to present an official proposal to his representatives so far.
Apparently, the Blues have laid down the project and package to the 20-year-old’s camp. They are the club pushing hardest right now to sign the Spain international, and there’s a feeling of confidence they can win the race for their priority target in the centre-back position.
Phillips adds that Huijsen and his representatives have reacted positively to Chelsea’s proposal. In addition, the player’s father, who’s been keen for him to join Liverpool, is even impressed.
It is explained that the young centre-half will make a decision on his future after the 2024/25 season finishes, but Chelsea think their offer on the table is a strong one.
Arsenal and Liverpool aren’t being completely dismissed in the transfer race for Bournemouth’s rising star. Chelsea are currently viewed as the frontrunners after pressing ahead, though.
Despite the fact this has been Huijsen’s debut season in English football, he’s performed superbly well in Bournemouth colours. Without a doubt, he’s been one of the most impressive centre-backs across the Premier League division.
It’s been reported elsewhere that Chelsea are willing to offer Dean Huijsen a seven-year deal, which is a common theme when you look at the club’s recent transfer signings.
We’d like to see Enzo Maresca’s side go out and recruit experienced individuals to help a very young team at Stamford Bridge. However, Huijsen’s potential means he could be too talented to miss out on.
| Appearances (Starts) | Goals | Pass accuracy | Tackles won % | Duels won % | Aerial duels won % | Dribbled past | Average match rating |
| 29 (24) | 3 | 84.2% | 69.7% | 56.5% | 61.0% | 10 | 7.24 |
Chelsea tipped to make Dean Huijsen and Marc Guehi double swoop
In the current Chelsea first team, they can already choose from senior centre-backs Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo. If the Blues do sign two new central defenders this summer, we’re guessing that at least two of the aforementioned names will need to leave to make room.
Recent transfer rumours claimed that Chelsea want to sign both Dean Huijsen and Marc Guehi to revamp their backline for next season.
While Huijsen has been a breakout star at Bournemouth this term, Guehi has been consistently performing in the heart of Crystal Palace’s defence for a few seasons.
The 24-year-old England international, who started out in Chelsea’s academy, is the type of leader at the back who could make a big difference if he rejoined the Blues.
