Real Madrid launch Arsenal scouting mission as Chelsea face UNWANTED competition

Cameron Smith

5 May 2025 09:15 BST
3 min read

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Real Madrid reportedly sent scouts to watch Bournemouth pair Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen in action against Arsenal on Saturday as they eye a potential double deal this summer.

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Los Blancos are actively searching for defensive reinforcements ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window, and they have identified Kerkez and Huijsen as key targets following Alphonso Davies’ contract extension at Bayern Munich and William Saliba’s desire to stay at Arsenal.

Current ETV

Dean Huijsen

D (C)

B'mouth

Dean Huijsen

D (C)

B'mouth

ETV Range

€49.5M - €60.5M

Chelsea and Liverpool are also chasing the Bournemouth duo, but Real Madrid have stepped up their pursuit by sending scouts to watch them this weekend.

That is according to TBR Football, who claim that Kerkez and Huijsen were being closely monitored by Real Madrid scouts during Bournemouth’s 2-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday evening.

The former prevented Bukayo Saka from having a meaningful impact on proceedings, while the latter scored a 67th minute equaliser before Evanilson’s eventual winner.

Liverpool are believed to be leading the race for Kerkez’s signature and Chelsea are pushing to sign Huijsen amid a planned defensive overhaul at Stamford Bridge, but Real Madrid are set to provide unwanted competition for both clubs.

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Real Madrid want Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez

Although Huijsen is eager to join Real Madrid, reports indicate that he is likely to remain in the Premier League as Los Blancos are currently unwilling to trigger the €58 million (£50m) release clause included in his Bournemouth contract.

However, the Spain international has been identified as the perfect alternative to the aforementioned Saliba and Carlo Ancelotti’s side may opt to spend big on Huijsen given Arsenal have no desire to offload the Frenchman this summer.

As for Kerkez, a move to Liverpool appears to be on the cards, but Real Madrid are determined to sign a replacement for Ferland Mendy and they believe the Hungary star may be the ideal candidate.