Real Madrid have received a summer transfer setback with the news that one of their major summer targets would prefer a Premier League move, with Champions League opponents Arsenal one of the clubs aiming for a big-money move.
Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen has become a transfer priority for many leading clubs ahead of the summer, and the Spain international centre-back has made the bold decision that he wishes to remain in the Premier League.
For Los Blancos, who trail the Gunners 3-0 in the Champions League after the first leg of their quarter-final clash, this is a sizeable setback. The Spanish side are planning a major renovation of their aging and injury-prone back line.
Madrid to step up Saliba chase?
Huijsen, who has a release clause set around €60 million (£50m), had been earmarked as a potential long-term addition for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Now Real Madrid are likely to intensify their pursuit of Arsenal centre-back William Saliba, though the France international, who has been personally recommended to the club by Kylian Mbappe, had been targeted as a free agent in 2027.
Los Blancos have been tipped to make a record move for Saliba, but the Gunners are clearly not eager to sell.
Instead, the Bernabeu side are thought to be seriously considering a move for Mario Gila, who came through the academy at Real Madrid before leaving for Lazio in 2022.
Gila is an attractive signing for the Spaniards because they own 50% of his rights, meaning that the 24-year-old, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €31.5m would be relatively cheap.
Arsenal, meanwhile, might have seen one major rival for Huijsen’s signature fall away, but there are major hurdles to overcome if Mikel Arteta’s side are to land the rapidly rising star.
