Real Madrid risk missing out on top target as Chelsea ready to trigger €60m release clause | OneFootball

Dean Huijsen has emerged as Real Madrid’s top target to strengthen the defensive department heading into the next season.

The Spanish capital giants realise the need to reinforce the centre-back position given the problems faced this season and the 20-year-old Bournemouth starlet has become a key target.

The young centre-half, for his part, is also understood to be keen on making the move to the Santiago Bernabeu, but is attracting serious interest from top clubs in the Premier League as well and does not intend to wait forever.

Chelsea leading Real Madrid in Huijsen race

However, according to AS, Dean Huijsen’s future appears to be heading towards London. The 20-year-old Spanish centre-back has become a top transfer target for Chelsea.

The Premier League heavy spenders are prepared to activate his €60 million release clause, which becomes valid in the summer of 2025.

Chelsea bound? (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

The Blues wants him urgently – potentially even in time for the FIFA Club World Cup, which starts on 16 June. FIFA is allowing a special transfer window for participating clubs, and Chelsea hope to take advantage of it to integrate Huijsen into their squad.

The move is reportedly favoured by the player himself, despite interest from several Premier League rivals such as Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham.

Real Madrid remain attentive to developments as they admire Huijsen, but are hesitant to spend such a significant sum on a young centre-back, especially with youth prospect Raul Asencio emerging in the first team.

Still, Huijsen has never hidden his admiration for Los Blancos and for Sergio Ramos, a club legend he idolises. His father was even given a tour of the facilities recently by the Spanish capital giants.

Despite all this, a move to London appears the most likely scenario for Huijsen.