The two reasons why Enzo Maresca is so desperate to sign Dean Huijsen this summer

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Chelsea now look like the strong favourites to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth when the transfer window opens.

Chelsea have been linked with several central defenders, including Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi. However, Huijsen appears to be the name at the top of their list.

On Wednesday, it was reported that Chelsea are leading the race for Huijsen’s signature and are prepared to hand the young centre-back a seven-year contract.

The Blues started the season with Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana as their first-choice centre-half pairing, but the latter has been unable to stay fit and is currently out injured.

• READ MORE: Chelsea may already have their very own Dean Huijsen, Enzo Maresca just needs to start trusting him

Enzo Maresca wants ball-playing central defender at Chelsea

If Chelsea are able to get Huijsen through the door, the 20-year-old will be an addition that Enzo Maresca welcomes.

According to The Telegraph, Maresca is keen for Chelsea to sign a ball-playing centre-half this summer, hence the club’s interest in Huijsen.

That is not the only reason why Maresca wants the Spaniard, though. The same outlet also claims that Fofana’s injury record is another factor behind the Chelsea manager‘s pursuit of a new central defender.

While the Blues seem to be at the front of the queue for Huijsen’s signature, there is no guarantee that they end up with it. Other clubs, including Premier League rivals Liverpool, are also interested in the Spain international.

Huijsen is not the only Bournemouth player on Chelsea’s radar. It has been claimed that Chelsea have interest in Antoine Semenyo as well.

What Dean Huijsen has said about his future

Huijsen has also been linked to Real Madrid, and when he was asked about a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu and his future last month, the former Juventus man was quite coy.

Speaking to El Chiringuito TV, he said: “I don’t know, we’ll see. It’s a big team. Every player wants to play in the maximum [level] possible.”

He later went on to add: “I have a contract until 2030, [but] I do have a [release] clause.”

It remains to be seen where Huijsen ends up. But with that release clause in his contract, he is almost certain to leave Bournemouth this summer, with Stamford Bridge his most likely destination as things stand.