Xabi Alonso’s imminent move to Real Madrid could see Chelsea miss out on one of their key targets this summer.
Alonso is expected to take over from former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, who is leaving the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season.
Ancelotti’s old club have several transfer targets going into the summer transfer window, including Victor Osimhen and Liam Delap. It has been claimed that Chelsea are set for talks with Osimhen’s representatives this week as they look to reach a compromise on the player’s wages.
However, there is another target they could now lose out on as Alonso closes in on a return to Real Madrid.
Xabi Alonso wants new central defender with Dean Huijsen on Real Madrid’s radar
In terms of central defenders, Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen appears to be the man Chelsea really want.
It is thought that Chelsea have already made an offer to Huijsen in their bid to land the 20-year-old this summer.
The Blues must now be wary of Real Madrid, though, with the Spanish club also looking to strengthen their central defence.
Fabrizio Romano shared on X on Tuesday that Real Madrid have decided to bring in a new centre-back at the request of Alonso.
The La Liga outfit had been heavily linked with Huijsen but speculation died down. However, it would now not be a surprise to see them land the Spain international. In fact, according to The Telegraph, Real Madrid are confident of doing such.
It would be a massive blow for Chelsea and Enzo Maresca, who want to improve their central defence ahead of the 2025/26 season. In fact, it has been claimed that Maresca wants a ball-playing defender like Huijsen specifically.
But Huijsen reportedly prefers a move to Real Madrid, meaning that Chelsea are likely to lose any transfer tussle with the 15-time European champions.
Chelsea should sign Antonio Rudiger instead of Dean Huijsen
Huijsen is not the only centre-half Chelsea are currently looking at. It is thought that Antonio Rudiger is also on Chelsea’s radar.
While it seems unlikely, if there is any possibility of bringing Rudiger back to Stamford Bridge, then Chelsea have to take it.
At 32, Rudiger is an experienced defender who has already proven himself in the Premier League. If anything, a centre-back of his profile should be the priority over Huijsen.
Chelsea’s squad lacks experience and Rudiger could be the perfect signing to add some.
