Real Madrid are now pushing for the signing of Dean Huijsen, which could have a couple of knock-on effects for Arsenal this summer.
Eduardo Burgos of Diario AS reports that Real Madrid are pushing for the signing of AFC Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, with talks between the club and the player’s entourage expected next week.
Strengthening the defence is a priority for the Spanish club this summer, and Huijsen would prioritise a move to Madrid over any of his other options.
One reason this is relevant to Arsenal is that the Gunners are believed to be one of those options, along with Chelsea and Liverpool. If Real Madrid make a serious move for the Spaniard, that may bring an early end to any hopes of keeping him in the Premier League.
A more positive take on the report is that Real Madrid moving for Huijsen decreases the likelihood they’re about to go big for William Saliba.
Huijsen won’t be the most expensive defender of all time, but he is going to cost £50m this summer – the value of his release clause.
If Real Madrid are spending £50m on one centre-back already, the likelihood of investing another huge fee on a defender seemingly decreases.
There’s no chance Arsenal are going to let Saliba go for cheap, and perhaps the growing interest in Huijsen could even be a sign Los Blancos are giving up on an immediate transfer for the French international.
Real Madrid’s interest in Huijsen is still at a relatively early stage, with previous reports suggesting they weren’t planning to make a move at all.
That may well be changing now, but we should have a clearer picture after those reported meetings with Huijsen’s entourage take place next week.