Chelsea have identified Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen as a key transfer target for the summer, a report has revealed.

The 19-year-old has shone since his £12.8m move from Juventus last summer, scoring twice in 17 appearances to help Bournemouth mount an unexpected challenge for a spot in next season’s Champions League.

Huijsen’s form has long caught the eye of a number of Europe’s elite sides – Real Madrid have often been linked with a move for the Dutch-born Spaniard – and Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Chelsea are serious suitors.

While Bournemouth would be incredibly reluctant to sell Huijsen, whose contract runs until 2030, Romano states the defender’s deal includes a release clause which will become active in the summer.

The value of the clause is not mentioned, but reports in Spain have previously put Huijsen’s release clause at around €65m (£54.9m).

Chelsea are not alone in their pursuit of Huijsen. Bayern Munich are said to have enquired, while AS state he is a key target for Madrid this year. Arsenal and Manchester United are both credited with interest.

While Chelsea are currently well-stocked at centre-back, there could be an overhaul approaching as Tosin Adarabioyo, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile and even the newly recalled Trevoh Chalobah have all been linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge.

READ THE LATEST CHELSEA NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP