Dean Huijsen sends clear transfer message after history-making goal

Dean Huijsen refused to comment on rife transfer speculation after he scored in the Cherries' important Premier League win at Arsenal on Saturday, asserting that he's "focused on Bournemouth".

Huijsen netted Bournemouth's equaliser on Saturday afternoon before Evanilson struck a controversial winner to hand Andoni Iraola's side their first-ever victory at the Emirates. As a result, the Cherries ended the weekend eighth in the table with three games to go. An eighth-place finish should be enough to play Conference League football next season.

However, no matter if Bournemouth qualify for their first-ever European adventure, Spanish international Huijsen is expected to move on after just one season on the south coast.

The centre-back's been revelatory at the heart of Iraola's defence after joining for what quickly proved to be a bargain £15 fee from Juventus. Several Premier League clubs are mulling over the idea of triggering a £50m release clause, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool, but the young defender is not letting any transfer speculation hinder his conclusion to the campaign.

When asked by AS after Saturday's historic win in north London about a potential move and the pressure which may arrive with the price tag buyers are prepared to pay for him, the 20-year-old replied: "I don't know...I'm a 'chill' guy, like when I celebrate. I don't think about it much. Every day I go to training, to play in the games, and I'm happy. I'm having a good time and I'm not thinking about that.

"I'm focused on Bournemouth. We're having a very good season. We've already broken the points record and we want to get as many points as possible this season."

While there is widespread interest from the Premier League for Huijsen's services, the 20-year-old also has admirers in Madrid and Munich, with previous reports suggesting that the Spaniard is prioritising a move to the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid are destined to make a splash at centre-back this summer, and although Arsenal's William Saliba is reportedly the club's priority target, Huijsen would doubtlessly be an easier deal for Los Blancos to pull off.

However, before Huijsen seriously considers his future, he'll be aiming to ensure Bournemouth finish the season in eighth. Tough Premier League fixtures against Manchester City and Aston Villa are up next for the Cherries before they finish the season at home to the relegated Leicester.

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