Arsenal-linked Dean Huijsen reacts to ‘massive’ message from Mikel Merino
Arsenal target Dean Huijsen reacted to a message from Mikel Merino after knocking out Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Having stunned the 15-time champions of Europe 3-0 in the first leg, thanks to two stunning Declan Rice free kicks, the Gunners headed to the Spanish capital in complete control of the tie.
Bukayo Saka was given the opportunity to open the scoring from the penalty spot in the 13th minute, but his Panenka penalty was saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Real Madrid thought they had a penalty of their own, before referee Francois Letexier overturned the decision.
Saka then made amends in the 65th minute, and whilst Vinicius Junior nicked one back two minutes later, Arsenal held firm, with Gabriel Martinelli’s 93rd-minute goal simply the cherry on top of the cake.
Mikel Merino shares touching message with Arsenal fans
Following the stunning win over Madrid, Merino took to Instagram to share a message with Arsenal fans, saying: “Massive win at the Bernabéu! Incredibly proud to be making history with this TEAM!! The best is yet to come! We keep going”.
The message was then liked by Huijsen, one of Europe’s most coveted defenders going into the summer transfer window.
Arsenal keen to land Dean Huijsen this summer
Pete O’Rourke told Football Insider exclusively Arsenal are one of many teams in for Huijsen this summer, with Bayern Munich currently leading the pack.
The Dutch defender has a £50million release clause in his contract and is seen as one of the top young defenders in world football.
Arsenal have been without Gabriel Magalhaes due to an injury suffered against Fulham on 1 April, and without the Brazilian, the Gunners are light at the back.
However, with the former Lille defender and William Saliba being the clear first-choice pairing at the back under Mikel Arteta, Huijsen may be hesitant about moving to the Emirates, with there being no guarantees of starting minutes.
Jakub Kiwior has performed admirably in place of Gabriel, but is yet to truly prove himself at the Emirates and be it Huijsen, or another defender, Arsenal will be keen to strengthen their backline this summer.