Arsenal are reportedly set to battle Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur for the signing of AFC Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen, according to transfer expert David Ornstein.
The 19-year-old, who joined the Cherries from Juventus last summer, has enjoyed an impressive debut Premier League campaign — scoring twice, providing an assist, and keeping five clean sheets in 20 starts.
His form earned him a call-up to the Spain national team for the March internationals, where he helped them reach the UEFA Nations League semi-finals.
Ornstein reports via The Athletic that Arsenal have already opened talks with Huijsen’s representatives. Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Newcastle United are also in the hunt, having met with the player’s agent.
With a £50m release clause in his contract, Huijsen is seeking clarity on his future ahead of the summer transfer window.
Liverpool are planning for the future in defence as Virgil van Dijk approaches the final stages of his career. Spurs, meanwhile, have been hit by injuries at the back and are looking to bolster their defensive options.
For Arsenal, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães remain the established first-choice pairing, supported by Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Jakub Kiwior, and Riccardo Calafiori. However, Huijsen’s potential makes him a tempting target, and the Gunners are reluctant to miss out on a talent of his calibre.
With several top clubs circling, the race for Huijsen’s signature could become one of the most closely watched transfer battles of the summer.