Arsenal plotting to hijack Real Madrid move for Premier League breakout star – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid secured a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid earlier this week at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, booking their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Their opponent in the quarter-finals will be Arsenal – a team that could challenge them not only on the pitch but also in the transfer market come summer.

Arsenal want Real Madrid target Dean Huijsen

Indeed, according to Fichajes, Arsenal have set their sights on Dean Huijsen, a young defender also on Real Madrid’s radar.

Real Madrid have been considering the Bournemouth breakout star as a more affordable alternative to other centre-back targets like Castello Lukeba or William Saliba.

Dean Huijsen in demand. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Huijsen is expected to cost £50 million (~€60 million) in the summer thanks to the presence of release clause in his contract with the Premier League club – a figure Los Blancos consider acceptable within their plans.

However, Arsenal have now entered the race to sign Huijsen, closely monitoring the player and showing serious intent to secure his signing.

This has raised concerns at Real Madrid, who faced a similar situation last summer with Leny Yoro. On that occasion, Manchester United’s involvement complicated negotiations and drove up the price of the French defender, who eventually ended up at Old Trafford.

With Real Madrid not inclined to engage in bidding wars, Arsenal’s strong pursuit of Huijsen could force the Spanish capital club to act quickly.

Huijsen, for his part, is believed to be dreaming of a move to Real Madrid, which might give them an advantage in the transfer race.