Arsenal ready to spend £50m to sign 20yo Spaniard, contact made with representatives - Journalist

Arsenal are strongly interested in signing Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen, who is also on the radar of Chelsea and Liverpool, according to journalist David Ornstein.

The Gunners are likely to bolster multiple positions during the summer transfer window. A marquee striker and a defensive midfielder could be the main priorities.

However, the club continue to be linked with centre-backs and in a Q&A session on The Athletic, Ornstein said that Huijsen is one of the top names on Arsenal’s wishlist.

The Gunners have a ‘strong’ interest in the 20-year-old, and it is claimed that manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are keen to sign the Spaniard.

Contact has been established with his representatives, but Chelsea and Liverpool have done the same.

There is no front-runner, but each of those clubs are ‘ready to pay’ his release clause which stands at £50 million, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Ornstein said: “It is strong and they remain in contention. They are among the clubs (with Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham) who have met his representatives, with Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta keen to sign the Spain international.

“Whether or not Arsenal win the race is unclear because it’s still open and I’m not aware of a front runner between them, Chelsea and Liverpool to date.

“Real Madrid has always carried huge appeal to Huijsen, we hear, but so far they haven’t moved on this situation and I’m sure he is philosophical about that.

“Previously I think Kiwior exiting Arsenal was highly possible… that might be less certain following his recent rise to prominence.

“Either way, Huijsen would play a lot of football at Arsenal and they can now show him many examples of how, under Arteta, players have developed extremely well and become top-level talents.

“Now, this doesn’t mean he will opt for them; there are pros and cons to each of the suitors, all of whom are ready to pay the release clause.

“Huijsen and Bournemouth want it sorted sooner rather than later. Let’s see what he decides.”

Arsenal’s move for Huijsen could depend on Jakub Kiwior’s future

The Gunners probably have the best central defensive partnership in the Premier League. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have been brilliant in the heart of the backline.

Magalhaes is out for the rest of the campaign with a hamstring injury. Jakub Kiwior has been highlighted as a weak link in the past, but he has stepped up over recent weeks.

The Pole delivered stand-out performances against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final ties and was also exceptional versus Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Wednesday.

The centre-back scored the opening goal with a towering header. He completed 115 passes in the game and won 100 percent of his duels. Kiwior also made six clearances with two blocks.

His stock has definitely risen in Magalhaes’ absence. Kiwior has been linked with a possible return to Serie A in the past. Arsenal’s move for Huijsen could depend on Kiwior’s stance.

If Kiwior pushes to leave for a regular starting role, the club could pursue a replacement despite having Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu (injured) to provide backup when required.

Huijsen would be a perfect addition to the squad in that case. He is strong in aerial duels and likes to clear his lines. The Spaniard is good with the ball at his feet and has made timely interceptions.

Arsenal are reportedly ready to pay his buy-out clause but we believe a transfer could depend on Kiwior’s exit. Huijsen may also have to initially accept reduced playing time to join the club.

Stats from Sofascore.com

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