Why Real Madrid think they have the “edge” over Chelsea in €50m defender chase | OneFootball

The signs all point to Dean Huijsen being Chelsea’s number one defensive target this summer.

The rumours have been around for ages, and a number of top sources have highlighted our interest in the defender. His release clause makes a deal relatively straightforward to do (if we’re willing to pay), and it seems he’s keen to come and play in West London.

But the spectre of Real Madrid has long been lurking out there, and a report today from Football Espana reminds us all that this is far from a done deal.

Real Madrid still have the “edge” in Huijsen deal

Dean Huijsen is a Chelsea target. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

They write that because of age and long running injury issues to David Alaba, Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger, Los Blancos are keen to add another central defender in the summer – and they’ve long been fans of Huijsen.

The Spanish giants think they have the “edge” in the race for Huijsen because the Spain international prefers a move there, and has “made it clear he’s willing to do whatever is necessary to secure a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.”

He’s even willing to copy recent Madrid signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham in asking for less money than he could get from some Premier League teams in return for a chance to play for the 15 times Champions League winners.

One way this does make Chelsea’s life difficult is in their dream of getting Huijsen on-board nice and early so he can play in the Club World Cup. It sounds likely he holds out as long as possible through the summer to see if Madrid’s interest gets serious, and that could scupper our hopes of having him in the door in time to play in the upcoming tournament in the USA.