Chelsea battling Arsenal to sign Spanish defender?

Chelsea are set to battle it out with Arsenal and Liverpool to sign Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen this summer, as per David Ornstein.

The Spain international joined the Cherries from Juventus last summer and he has been brilliant in the heart of the defence for the South Coast side.

His exceptional form has caught the eye of elite European clubs and Ornstein reports that Huijsen could join a Premier League rival this year.

Huijsen has a £50 million release clause in his contract. There is apparently strong interest from the Blues, Gunners and Reds for his services.

There is no clear-cut candidate at the moment and the centre-back will make a decision regarding his future once the campaign comes to a close.

Bournemouth have been in the mix for European football this term and they could yet qualify for the same by finishing eighth in the league table.

The eighth-placed team could qualify for the Conference League next season if Manchester City, Aston Villa or Nottingham Forest win the FA Cup.