‘Arsenal handed William Saliba boost in wake of Dean Huijsen’s move to Real Madrid’
Arsenal will soon focus on the summer transfer window with a real priority being to bolster their defensive line.
As Mikel Arteta’s men look to strengthen their ranks this summer, they have set their sights on a move for Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen.
The Spain international has a £50million release clause in his contract, meaning he is all but certain to leave Bournemouth.
But Arsenal are set to miss out on his services, as Real Madrid have made contact with him, indicating that Huijsen has his mind set on a move to the Spanish capital.
Huijsen’s move will scupper Madrid’s advances for Saliba
Madrid have been interested in making a move for Arsenal defender William Saliba, who has made 50 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions this term.
| William Saliba stats | 2024/25 Premier League |
| Appearances | 34 |
| Starts | 34 |
| Goals | 2 |
But now that Los Blancos are set to sign Huijsen, the 15-time Champions League winners appear likely to cool off their advances for Saliba.
With the likes of Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio already among their ranks, the Spanish giants simply do not need to sign both the France international and Huijsen.
Madrid’s move for the Bournemouth ace has come as a major boost for the Gunners, who will desperately want to retain Saliba’s services.
Arsenal set their sights on Leroy Sane
The news that Madrid are set to sign Huijsen is ideal for Arsenal’s transfer activity, as the North Londoners now know that they should not have to source a replacement for Saliba.
Since returning to the Gunners in 2022, following loan spells with Nice and Marseille, the 24-year-old has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, and still boasts plenty of potential.
The Frenchman would prove to be an incredibly tough man for Arteta’s side to replace if they were to lose his services.
But with Huijsen set to join Madrid, likely instead of Saliba, Arsenal can now look to bolster their forward line as they look to launch a more serious Premier League title bid next term.
With that in mind, the Gunners are in the race to sign Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane, who is out of contract with the Bundesliga giants this summer.