Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, who has a £55m release clause. 

The Gunners have one of the best centre-back pairings in the world with Gabriel and William Saliba, however, the latter has been subject to transfer interest from Real Madrid.

Saliba moving to the Bernabeu would likely break the world record transfer fee for a defender, which is currently held by Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol who moved for a fee of £77.6m.

If the Frenchman was to leave, the Gunners would need to line up an alternative for Saliba, and they are reportedly considering Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen.

The Spanish defender has made 18 Premier League appearances for high-flying Bournemouth this season, scoring two goals from set pieces – something that Arsenal know all about.

According to the Boot Room, Arsenal are monitoring Huijsen’s contract situation at the Vitality Stadium as it was revealed that he has a £55m release clause, meaning that clubs could sign him without obstacle from the Cherries in the summer.

Huijsen joined Bournemouth in July 2024 from Serie A side Juventus for a fee of £12.7m. His value is expected to be around £15m, but due to being just 19, Bournemouth’s price is much higher. He’s made a total of 21 appearances for the Cherries.

Arsenal face Premier League competition to sign Huijsen

The Bournemouth defender is also reportedly attracting the attention of both Liverpool and Chelsea alongside the Gunners.

Liverpool view him as a potential replacement for Virgil Van Dijk who is set to leave the club in the summer as his contract is due to expire at the end of the season.

For Chelsea, they have been linked with several centre-backs including Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Nottingham Forest’s Murillo, with Huijsen being the latest name touted with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal would likely have to make a quick move to pay his release clause in the summer if they are to line him up before the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool.