Chelsea eye three Dean Huijsen alternatives as transfer race opens back up
The Blues are no longer favourites to sign him.
Chelsea are monitoring three defenders in case they lose the transfer race to sign AFC Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen, according to reports.
It was reported on Wednesday that Chelsea were in pole position to land the Cherries centre-back, who is thought to have a £50m release clause.
But Sky Sports rubbished those claims on Thursday, insisting that the race to sign the impressive 20-year-old Spain international remains ‘wide open’.
Huijsen has become one of the most sought-after players in England with a number of Premier League and European clubs fighting for his signature.
Chelsea no longer favourites to sign Dean Huijsen from AFC Bournemouth
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Chelsea face a transfer battle with Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Tottenham, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich to sign the Bournemouth star.
Huijsen is keen to play Champions League football next season, which will be a major factor in deciding which team he picks in the summer window.
Bournemouth, of course, are reluctant to lose their world-class defender – especially given he has been at the club for less than 12 months – but his reported release clause means his exit is somewhat of an inevitability.
Real Madrid is understood to be Huijsen’s No.1 choice if the Spanish champions make an official approach for the player, who has played just 31 games for the Cherries since his £12.8m arrival from Juventus.
But previous reports have suggested Real Madrid may deem Huijsen too expensive and too much of a risk, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side hoping to convince Arsenal star William Saliba to move to the Bernabeu instead.
Chelsea remain in the race for Huijsen and are believed to have good relations with his representatives, with the west Londoners currently considering whether or not to pay his release clause.
Chelsea looking at Jorrel Hato, Marc Guehi and Jarrad Branthwaite
The Blues are also considering three alternatives should they fail in their mission to bring Huijsen to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.
Chelsea have looked at Ajax’s 19-year-old defender Ajax’s Jorrel Hato, The Guardian have reported.
Hato, who can play as a centre-back or left-back, has established himself as an important player for Ajax since progressing through their academy.
It has been suggested that Ajax would demand at least £40m for the Netherlands international.
Chelsea have also been looking at Premier League stars Marc Guehi and Jarrad Branthwaite as potential alternatives for Huijsen.
Guehi, 24, has impressed at the heart of Crystal Palace’s defence and Chelsea know the player well given he came through the Blues’ academy.
Crystal Palace rejected multiple bids from Newcastle for the England international centre-back last summer, with the last worth £65m.
Everton defender Branthwaite, 22, is the third option for Chelsea, with the Merseyside club thought to value the Englishman at around £70m.
