Bad news for Chelsea & Liverpool - but a boost for Arsenal! Real Madrid step up Dean Huijsen transfer pursuit after deeming €100m-rated William Saliba too expensive

According to a report from Marca, Madrid have stepped up their efforts in pursuit of Bournemouth sensation Huijsen, who is also being pursued by Premier League giants Chelsea and Liverpool. The report further adds that the reigning Spanish champions could consider cooling their interest in Arsenal centre-back Saliba, with his €100 million (£85m/$113m) price tag deemed to expensive for a transfer this summer.

In recent meetings, the higher-ups at Madrid reached the conclusion that they need a new centre-back for the upcoming Club World Cup and beyond. The name that has been talked about the most was that of Huijsen. Recently, it was reported that Los Blancos sent scouts to watch the Spain international during Bournemouth's clash against Arsenal. Internally, the club believe that the level of performance shown by the 20-year-old - in a competition as demanding as the Premier League - cannot be overlooked. His release clause of £50m ($66m) is considered affordable in comparison to the fee Arsenal are demanding for Saliba.

Apparently, Madrid's aim is to not sign Saliba this summer. Instead, they are willing to play the long game and wait for the Frenchman's contract to run down, with two years left to run on it. The plan is to make an approach next summer for a significantly lower fee, or swoop him up for free in 2027. In response to Madrid's tactics, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has reportedly intensified his efforts to tie the French centre-back down to a new deal.

Huijsen is reportedly the subject of serious interest from fellow Premier League clubs Chelsea and Liverpool, as well as Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. What's more, the Blues and the Reds perhaps hold the edge over Madrid, given their willingness to offer a bigger package to the former Roma and Juventus star. However, Huijsen has often expressed how grateful he feels to be linked with Madrid.