Chelsea line up "strong" Dean Huijsen alternative

Huijsen is one of Chelsea's top targets. (Deposit Photos)

Chelsea are preparing for a defensive shake-up this summer – and Bournemouth’s highly-rated centre-back Dean Huijsen has emerged as their priority signing.

The Blues are reportedly ready to activate the 20-year-old’s £50 million release clause in a bid to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are keen to strengthen their backline following a season blighted by injuries, with Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, and Benoît Badiashile all struggling with either injuries and form.

Huijsen, also reportedly on the radar of Real Madrid and Liverpool, has remained coy about his next move."I'm very calm. I don't really focus on it. Now is not the time. I’m just focused on finishing the season well," he told Sky Sports.

Dean Huijsen. (Deposit Photos)

The Spanish defender also noted that his father—who is also his agent—is handling discussions behind the scenes."My dad is my agent, he fixes everything. I don't read anything, I don't think about it too much. I'm just focusing on my football and working hard."

When asked about the possibility of a summer exit, Huijsen stayed focused on the present:"I'm just focused on making history at this club."

Chelsea Also Monitoring Ajax Star Jorrel Hato

While Chelsea remain front-runners for Huijsen, they aren’t putting all their eggs in one basket. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reports that Ajax’s versatile defender Jorrel Hato is also high on their shortlist if Huijsen proves unattainable.

“Chelsea and other clubs are waiting for Dean Huijsen’s decision,” Romano said on his latest podcast. “Chelsea and Liverpool also have Jorrel Hato on their list if they don’t get Huijsen.”

Hato, 19, has impressed in the Eredivisie this season, racking up 48 appearances—mostly at left-back—for Ajax, with three goals and six assists. Despite his youth, he’s already being talked about as a future star

Kevin Lux, Transfermarkt’s Netherlands content manager, praised Hato’s blend of physicality, technique, and intelligence:"His physique is years ahead of him. He also has a lot of technical ability in his game… He can dribble, pass, and see the game from the defensive line."

Lux also highlighted Hato’s leadership traits:“He already captained Ajax’s youth teams on several occasions. He has all the qualities of a potential world-class defender.”

The comparison to Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber was hard to ignore:"Hato is very comparable with Timber – strong in defence, good vision, and good passing. He likes to build attacks from the defensive line.”

Whether Chelsea land Huijsen or pivot to Hato, it's clear that reinforcing the defence is high on the club’s summer agenda.