As the 2024-25 Premier League season hurtles toward its conclusion, Arsenal are making waves in the transfer market, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealing that the Gunners have initiated contact with Bournemouth within the last 24 hours to pursue the signing of sensational centre-back Dean Huijsen. The 20-year-old Spanish international, valued at £50 million due to a release clause in his contract, has emerged as one of Europe’s most coveted young defenders, and Arsenal’s late-season phone call signals their determination to bolster their backline ahead of a pivotal summer transfer window. Despite a trophyless campaign and a 10-point gap to league leaders Liverpool, Mikel Arteta’s squad is gearing up for a transformative rebuild, with Huijsen at the heart of their ambitions.
Huijsen’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. After joining Bournemouth from Juventus for just £13 million in the summer of 2024, the young defender has become a cornerstone of Andoni Iraola’s high-octane Cherries side, which sits eighth in the Premier League with a club-record points tally. Replacing the injured Marcos Senesi, Huijsen has started 27 matches, earning praise for his composure, physicality, and ball-playing ability. His performances, described as “sensational” by pundits, led to a senior call-up for Spain, where he made two appearances in 2025. Arsenal, who faced Huijsen in a 2-1 loss to Bournemouth earlier this season, witnessed his commanding presence firsthand, with the Spaniard neutralizing Gabriel Jesus and thwarting Bukayo Saka’s runs. “Arsenal have been in regular contact in the last 24 hours to understand what happens,” Romano shared on his YouTube channel, noting that the Gunners are keen to seize any opportunity should rival bids falter.
The pursuit of Huijsen is not without competition. Real Madrid, under incoming manager Xabi Alonso, have reportedly reached an agreement with Bournemouth to pay the £50 million release clause in three installments, offering Huijsen a five-year contract. Chelsea and Liverpool are also in the race, with Romano stating, “Chelsea and Arsenal have always been fighting on this one,” highlighting the fierce battle for the defender’s signature. Arsenal’s interest stems from a need to reinforce their defense, especially with William Saliba attracting attention from Real Madrid and Jakub Kiwior’s future uncertain. Arteta, backed by new sporting director Andrea Berta, sees Huijsen as a long-term partner for Riccardo Calafiori, whose £42 million arrival from Bologna last summer strengthened the backline. “Don’t forget about Arsenal, because Arsenal are also pushing,” Romano emphasized, underscoring the Gunners’ determination to disrupt Madrid’s plans.
Arsenal’s transfer strategy reflects a broader ambition to address multiple squad needs. In midfield, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi remains a top target, with negotiations advancing for a €60 million move to replace the departing Jorginho. Up top, Arteta is eyeing a new striker, with names like RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres linked, following Gabriel Jesus’ injury and Kai Havertz’s recent illness. The Gunners’ January window saw limited activity, but a failed bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and ongoing talks for Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams indicate their intent to bolster the attack. Huijsen, however, is a priority, with Romano noting that Arsenal’s calls are part of a strategy to “enter the race in case the deal collapses” with Madrid.
For Bournemouth, losing Huijsen would be a blow, but the £50 million clause leaves them powerless to resist. Iraola’s side, preparing for tough fixtures against Manchester City and Leicester, relies on Huijsen’s 1.7 interceptions and 0.6 shots blocked per game, stats that rank among the league’s best for defenders. Arsenal’s persistence, despite Madrid’s advanced talks, reflects their belief in Huijsen’s potential to become a “generational” talent, as described by analysts. Arteta’s vision of a robust, ball-playing defense could hinge on this deal, especially as the Gunners aim to reclaim Champions League qualification after a disappointing season.
As the transfer saga unfolds, Arsenal fans are buzzing with hope that Huijsen could don the red and white. Will Arteta outmaneuver Madrid’s financial might, or will the Santiago Bernabeu lure another rising star? With the summer window approaching, Arsenal’s bold move for Huijsen sets the stage for a dramatic close to the season.