Chelsea are allegedly ready to pay over the odds to try to win the race for an in-demand Bournemouth defender.
During the summer transfer window, the Cherries made some shrewd investments that were always likely to ensure that they avoid any kind of Premier League relegation battle.
However, few people anticipated Andoni Iraola's side being in the hunt for European qualification, Bournemouth only five points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea in the table.
On the flip side, though, their performances have only led to a number of their star players being targeted by higher-profile clubs, and they face a fight to retain their services in the short and long term.
According to Cadena SER, Chelsea are ready to do what is necessary to secure a deal for Dean Huijsen.
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Blues facing Spanish competition
The report suggests the Blues hierarchy are willing to commit more funds to signing the newly-capped Spain international than Real Madrid.
There is said to be a £50m release clause in the contract of the 19-year-old, who has made 18 starts and five substitute outings in the Premier League since his move from Juventus.
Nevertheless, it is suggested that Real Madrid remain as the clear favourites to freshen up their backline with the acquisition of Huijsen, regardless of whether Chelsea are willing to offer a more lucrative contract.
Furthermore, Real allegedly welcomed Huijsen's father to their training facilities in recent weeks to emphasise they are prioritising a deal for the youngster.
In recent days, Huijsen's teammate Justin Kluivert claimed that 'everyone knows' that the centre-back will not be at the Vitality Stadium for 2025-26.
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A foregone conclusion?
While Chelsea may acknowledge that they are outsiders in this particular race, they remain unmoved on their model of trying to sign some of the best prospects in world football.
Even with the promise of becoming first-choice under Enzo Maresca, though, it is difficult to see how Chelsea will tempt Huijsen into a transfer to Stamford Bridge at this point.
Chelsea will realistically shuffle their defensive options in the summer with money expected to be raised through the sales of Axel Disasi and Trevoh Chalobah.
That said, Maresca's preference in the long-term is to seemingly use Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill as his central two defenders, something that will not support Chelsea's pursuit of Huijsen.
Darren Plant
