Chelsea are now determined to move ahead of Real Madrid in the race to sign a "phenomenal" £50m defender who's been compared to Sergio Ramos, according to a report.
Blues considering defensive rebuild
The Blues have continued their approach of signing up-and-coming talents, recently sealing out-of-window moves for Sporting CP youngster Dario Essugo, who operates in central midfield, alongside 17-year-old winger Geovany Quenda, who is set to arrive in the summer of 2026.
However, there are also indications Enzo Maresca's side could look to upgrade their defence this summer, with targets being identified at both full-back and centre-back.
There could be a departure from the west Londoners' usual focus on youth, with a deal for 28-year-old Nottingham Forest right-back Ola Aina now being worked on, following the defender's impressive performances in the Premier League this season.
General view of a corner flag inside the stadium before the match Related
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The Blues are now in contention to sign a highly sought-after attacker.
Another Premier League defender enjoying a solid campaign is AFC Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen, with David Ornstein recently revealing the centre-back is being looked at closely by the Blues ahead of a potential summer transfer swoop.
There has now been a further update on Chelsea's pursuit of Huijsen, with a report from Spain revealing they are now determined to move ahead of Real Madrid in the race for the 19-year-old's signature.
AFC Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen during the warm up before the match
Maresca's side could be the club most willing to shell out the €60m (£50m) release clause included in the defender's Bournemouth contract, despite widespread interest in his signature, with Newcastle United, Bayern Munich and Liverpool also keen.
Interestingly, the report states the Blues could look to make an 'aggressive' offer to ensure they win the race for the Spaniard, which may include tabling a more financially appealing contract than Madrid would be willing to offer.
"Phenomenal" Huijsen likened to Ramos
The teenager spent time with Malaga as a youth player, where he attracted attention from the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona, so it is perhaps a little surprising he ultimately ended up at Bournemouth, arriving on a six-year deal last summer.
However, the youngster's decision to sign for the Cherries has been validated by the amount of game time he has received this season, making 23 appearances in the Premier League, during which time he has scored two goals.
The Spain international's goal-scoring ability has drawn comparisons to Madrid legend Ramos, who was his idol growing up, and he once scored 12 goals in half a season during his time with Malaga, despite featuring at centre-back.
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig lauded Huijsen as "phenomenal" after a solid performance against Newcastle United earlier this season, and his performance on several key defensive metrics over the past year indicates he could be a fantastic signing for Chelsea.
Statistic Average per 90
Interceptions 2.16 (99th percentile)
Blocks 1.66 (87th percentile)
Clearances 6.73 (96th percentile)