Real Madrid make move to beat Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea to Bournemouth star

Real Madrid are leading the race to sign in-demand Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen and have now sent a formal contract offer to the player.

The 20-year-old joined the Cherries last summer from Juventus and has been a big hit in the Premier League.

The towering centre-back has made 33 appearances in all competitions under Andoni Iraola and has picked up his first two caps for Spain this season as well.

Huijsen has attracted attention from a string of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, but a move back to Spain looks the most likely.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that La Liga giants Real Madrid ‘sent formal contract proposal to Dean Huijsen and his camp’ with talks ongoing.

The report also states that Huijsen’s preferred destination is the Santiago Bernabeu, with suggestions in Spain that the club knows this, giving Real Madrid a significant advantage in their pursuit.

However, the interested parties in England are ready to pounce if there is any sort of issue in the negotiations between the defender and Los Merengues.

Real Madrid have clearly not held a grudge because they tried to sign Huijsen from Malaga in 2021 but he chose to move to Juventus instead.

He would go on to make just one senior appearance for Juve, moving on loan to Roma before switching to Bournemouth last year.

The Cherries paid an initial £12.8m, which could have risen to £15.3m, but they will be making a substantial profit on that outlay if they do indeed sell the defender this summer.

Huijsen has confirmed that he has a release clause in his contract, which is believed to be set at £50m.

The centre-back spoke earlier this year about his choice to move to Juventus over Real Madrid in the past, saying it was about learning his craft in the best possible place.

‘I think it was a considered decision,’ he told EFE. ‘I wanted to go to Juventus because of Italy’s reputation, where Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli, and other historic centre-backs were.

‘I wanted to learn the defensive skills, which you also learn in Spain, but you work harder there. I think it was the right decision.’

However, it is a Real Madrid icon who is his defensive idol, adding: ‘Sergio Ramos, for me, was the best centre-back in history.

‘He had everything. He was good at getting the ball out, he was aggressive defensively, a leader, he scored goals, and he was important for the team. He’s also from the south, like me. I think we’re a bit similar.’