Bournemouth aware of difficulty keeping player beyond this season – Cherries not giving up yet
AFC Bournemouth have enjoyed an impressive season so far under Andoni Iraola’s orders.
The Premier League club are currently sixth in the table, a point behind Manchester City and Newcastle United, who are in fourth and fifth spot respectively.
Bournemouth are in contention to qualify for Europe but Estadio Deportivo state they may be without Kepa Arrizabalaga beyond this season.
The Cherries took the goalkeeper on loan from Chelsea last summer and he has starred for them this season. The Spaniard has kept six clean sheets and conceded 24 goals from 21 games so far.
Iraola’s side don’t have a purchase clause to extend his stay, while earlier claims from the Spanish press have talked about their desire to buy him.
At this point in time, ‘all avenues are open’ for the Spain international.
Estadio explain Bournemouth have ‘decided to fight’ for the 30-year-old but are aware of the ‘difficulty’ to retain him. That’s because ‘there is a lot of competition’ and the report adds Kepa staying at Stamford Bridge next season isn’t ruled out.
Kepa’s contract with the Blues lasts until 2026 and they have to make a decision on his future in the summer.
Bournemouth haven’t given up but assume it’s going to be ‘complex’ to have the stopper at the club next season.
Last summer, Paris Saint-Germain showed interest in Dean Huijsen as they looked to strengthen their defense, but the Spanish center-back ultimately joined AFC Bournemouth.
If PSG renews their pursuit, they’ll face stiff competition, as Premier League clubs seem to have the advantage.
While PSG bolstered their backline with Willian Pacho, the likely permanent move of Milan Škriniar to Fenerbahçe could leave them seeking another center-back this summer.
Huijsen has continued to impress in the Premier League, delivering consistent performances and earning widespread praise. His strong form hasn’t gone unnoticed, attracting interest from several top clubs.
As a transfer battle for the young defender heats up, Bournemouth are attempting to tie down the player to discourage clubs from pursuing him.
Bournemouth push to hold onto Dean Huijsen
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey reported on Tuesday, citing sources, that Bournemouth are prepared to offer Huijsen new terms in the hope of persuading him to stay at the Vitality Stadium.
The report also suggests that the Premier League club feels the teenager’s strong relationship with Andoni Iraola could play a role in him staying on the South Coast beyond this summer. However, interest in him is growing.
Real Madrid have been keeping a close eye on the player, with their transfer chief, Juni Calafat, compiling reports on the Spanish Under-21 star, according to TBR Football. Aside from Madrid, city rivals Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Bayer Leverkusen are also showing interest.
CaughtOffside previously reported, citing sources, that Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and PSG are all tracking Huijsen.
