Arsenal made a strong financial attempt to sign Dean Huijsen this summer, assuring the player he’d get plenty of minutes, but he ultimately opted for Real Madrid.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 03: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal is challenged by Dean Huijsen of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on May 03, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
AFC Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen recently finalised a transfer to Real Madrid, with the La Liga side to pay his £50m release clause and bring him in before the Club World Cup next month.
Both clubs have officially announced the transfer, though Huijsen remains at Bournemouth for one more game against Leicester City this weekend.
But before Huijsen agreed to return to Spain, Arsenal were one of the clubs in the mix for the player.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 03: Dean Huijsen of AFC Bournemouth controls the ball as he warms up prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on May 03, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
The Athletic report that Arsenal presented a strong financial offer to Huijsen, as well as a pitch that demonstrated their determination and commitment to signing him.
Both Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta assured Huijsen that he’d get plenty of minutes in north London, though other clubs in the race questioned whether that would really be possible.
Ultimately, there was always a sense that Huijsen would prefer to join Real Madrid, and Xabi Alonso pushed to make sure the club didn’t miss the opportunity to bring him in.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND: Dean Huijsen of AFC Bournemouth gives a thumbs up during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest FC at Vitality Stadium on January 25, 2025. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images
David Ornstein has subsequently reported that Huijsen was a specific opportunity, rather than a sign that Arsenal are priorisiting a defensive signing this summer. The reporter added that it’s a position that may remain under consideration, but there are bigger priorities right now.