CHELSEA are reportedly leading the race to sign Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.
The 20-year-old joined the Cherries from Juventus last summer but has already attracted interest from some of Europe’s top clubs.
Real Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool are understood to be among the clubs monitoring the centre-back.
But the Independent has claimed that Chelsea are frontrunners in the transfer race.
Huijsen is now seriously considering a move to Stamford Bridge ahead of the summer window.
The Blues are willing to offer him a package that could make up a seven-year deal.
But in order to sign him they will likely have to match his £50million release clause.
Earlier this month, Huijsen said he is determined to play at the highest level.
He also revealed that his friend told him to join Real Madrid.
The defender explained: “One of my close friends sent me a story about Real. He told me to go to Madrid.
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“I don’t know, we’ll see. It’s a big team. Every player wants to play at the maximum level possible.
“I have a contract until 2030, I do have a clause.”
Regardless of which team will sign him, Bournemouth are set to make a huge profit on Huijsen.
The Cherries signed him for just £15million from Juventus in July.
