Chelsea leads race for £50m defender Dean Huijsen

Chelsea are currently leading the race to sign Bournemouth center-back Dean Huijsen, who has attracted interest from other top clubs including Liverpool, Arsenal, and Real Madrid. The Blues are prepared to offer Huijsen a long-term seven-year contract and are willing to meet his £50 million release clause, leveraging both a favorable relationship with his agents and prior successful dealings with Bournemouth. Liverpool remain keen on the 20-year-old as they aim to strengthen their defensive depth, but Chelsea's strategy of extended contracts and swift transfer negotiations may give them the edge. Huijsen, who has impressed in his debut Premier League season, is seen as an ideal fit for new head coach Enzo Maresca's style, particularly due to his composure and ball-playing ability. Chelsea’s need for defensive reinforcements is heightened by concerns over Wesley Fofana’s fitness, and the club is moving quickly to complete key business early in the transfer window. Bournemouth, meanwhile, stand to make a significant profit on Huijsen, having signed him for just £15 million last year.