Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has shared an update on Dean Huijsen's future amid reported interest from Chelsea and other Premier League clubs.
The Blues have recently been credited with an interest in signing Huijsen during the summer transfer window. It's not only Chelsea that have been name-dropped on the rumour mill when it comes to Huijsen's future, either, with Liverpool and Real Madrid also reportedly interested in the defender.
Huijsen left Juventus last summer to complete his transfer to Bournemouth, reported to be worth up to £15million, and he's enjoyed an impressive debut season in the Premier League. The 19-year-old has made 27 appearances in all competitions this term, scoring twice, with both goals coming in the top-flight.
The past fortnight has seen the international break force a two-week hiatus from club football. Iraola chatted to reporters this week ahead of Bournemouth's FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City this weekend coming.
The Cherries boss was asked about Huijsen's future amid increased speculation that the centre-back could leave the Vitality Stadium in the summer. Iraola believes rumours about Huijsen's recent call-up to the Spain squad has intensified the rumours.
"We are not surprised, probably because he [Huijsen] has now made his national team debut [with Spain], he has played well, probably they are talking more about him," Iraola told reporters on Friday, via BBC Sport, when asked about the recent rumours around Huijsen's future.
"He has been playing consistently and I think he has performed very well. He has faced very difficult forwards, but we already knew he was a very good player when he came in the summer."
Chelsea currently have Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana as their centre-back options. It remains to be seen if the Blues will pursue any deal to sign Huijsen with Real Madrid deemed the most likely destination for him based on recent reports.
Sign up for Chelsea news direct to your email inbox
Chelsea ended the 2023/24 Premier League season on a high, but it is never quiet at Stamford Bridge and the summer looks set to be one full of news, with question marks over Mauricio Pochettino's future at the club and plenty of talk around transfers.
And by signing up to our newsletter here, you'll make sure you receive the best Blues content including news, rumours, articles and fan opinions - direct into your inbox and all for free!
We also want to hear from you. Create an account here in just a few moments, so you can have your say on all things Chelsea, join the debate and take part in exclusive Q&As as well.