Chelsea are reportedly leading the race to sign highly rated Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen and are prepared to activate his €60 million release clause, according to Diario AS.
The 20-year-old has been on Real Madrid’s radar since January, with Los Blancos maintaining a long-standing interest in the Spanish international.
Madrid made contact with Huijsen’s representatives earlier this year and were widely seen as the favourites for his signature.
The player himself expressed pride in the reported interest and is known to be a Real Madrid fan.
However, Real Madrid’s pursuit has cooled in recent weeks.
The Spanish giants are reportedly hesitant to invest €60 million in a player still in his debut top-flight season, especially with other defensive priorities and limited financial flexibility.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are moving aggressively. The Premier League side are ready to meet the release clause and have presented a compelling proposal to Huijsen.
The player is said to be warming to a move to London, not just for financial reasons but also due to Chelsea vision and project.
The Blues are reportedly targeting early June to complete the transfer, ahead of the Club World Cup in the United States.
