Chelsea [/b]are reportedly leading the race to sign highly rated [b]Bournemouth [/b]centre-back [b]Dean Huijsen[/b] 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, given their history of developing young defensive talents and their track record of making big moves in the transfer market.

The player himself expressed pride in the reported interest and is known to be a Real Madrid fan, admitting in interviews that he admired the club from a young age. He has also acknowledged that the opportunity to join such a prestigious club would be a dream come true for him. However, despite this admiration, Real Madrid’s pursuit of the young centre-back has cooled in recent weeks as the Spanish giants have reportedly reassessed their transfer priorities for the summer window.

The Spanish club is hesitant to invest €60 million in a player still in his debut top-flight season, especially with other defensive priorities and limited financial flexibility due to ongoing club restructuring efforts. Their primary focus has shifted toward other areas of the squad where they feel immediate reinforcement is needed to challenge for titles in the upcoming season.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are moving aggressively to secure the signature of Huijsen. The Premier League side are ready to meet the release clause and have reportedly presented a compelling proposal to the young player. Chelsea are determined to strengthen their defense and have seen Huijsen as a perfect fit for their long-term project, which involves the integration of younger talents into their first-team squad for future success. The Blues are offering not just financial incentives but also a clear vision of how Huijsen could be a key part of their defensive line for years to come.

The player is said to be warming to a move to London, not just for financial reasons but also due to Chelsea’s ambitious vision and project, which promises the chance to grow under the guidance of a strong coaching setup. He believes the club’s focus on young, promising talent aligns with his own personal development goals. Sources close to the player suggest that Huijsen has been impressed with the direction Chelsea is taking under their current leadership and sees a move to Stamford Bridge as an opportunity to play regularly in the Premier League while continuing to improve as a player.

Chelsea are reportedly targeting early June to complete the transfer, ahead of the Club World Cup in the United States. The timing of the deal is crucial for the Blues, as they aim to solidify their squad before the international break, ensuring that Huijsen can join pre-season training and get up to speed with the team’s tactics and structure. The club’s ambition to secure his services quickly is driven by their desire to build a solid and competitive team for the challenges ahead, including their upcoming international fixtures and domestic league campaigns.