5 hours Ago By Sam Smith
Chelsea are reportedly leading the race with Liverpool to sign Dean Huijsen and could battle the Reds for at least three more signings in the summer. The Bournemouth defender is said to be seriously considering a switch to Stamford Bridge over the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal . Bournemouth are expected to sell Huijsen, who is understood to have a £50million release clause, as part of their model of offloading stars for a big profit.
According to the Independent , Chelsea want the 20-year-old to arrive before the Club World Cup. Liverpool , Arsenal , Newcastle and Real Madrid have expressed an interest, although the Spanish side are reportedly unlikely to make a move this summer. Liverpool will be a familiar rival to Chelsea this summer.
Both clubs have been linked with many of the same players. The Blues initially challenged the Merseyside outfit for the Premier League title but abruptly fell away after Christmas. They are now fighting just to remain in contention for Champions League qualification.
Chelsea officials will hope to have better luck against Liverpool off the field. If Huijsen arrives at Stamford Bridge, there could be at least three more players who are forced to pick between west London and the north-west. Another of the more prominent targets for both teams is Antoine Semenyo.
Sky Sports report that while Manchester United are favourites to sign Huijsen’s Bournemouth team-mate, Chelsea and Liverpool are also interested in a potential deal. If United fail to acquire the winger, their Premier League rivals could take advantage of the opportunity. Semenyo, who has also been linked with Arsenal , is one of the most productive wide men outside of the Big Six, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists this season.
Chelsea and Liverpool are also reportedly monitoring West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus ahead of the summer. Both clubs have been linked with the Ghanaian in the past. CaughtOffside report that the 24-year-old could be available for less than his £85m release clause as the struggling Hammers seek to rebuild Graham Potter’s squad.
Kudus has struggled for consistency since joining West Ham in 2023, but could kickstart his Premier League career in a stronger team. Meanwhile, the Daily Mail report that fellow forward Jesus Rodriguez has caught the eye of Chelsea and Liverpool . The tricky winger, 19, is shining on the opposite wing to Man Utd outcast Antony at Real Betis.
It is expected to be a busy summer for both Chelsea and Liverpool - and the Premier League duo will battle each other for some of the biggest transfer window deals..
