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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.

(Image: Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

Liverpool's mooted pursuit for AFC Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen has taken a fresh twist - as Chelsea's summer transfer plans begin to take shape.

The Reds are reportedly set to go head-to-head with the London club for Huijsen's signature this summer, although Real Madrid remain a constant threat.

The 20-year-old has a £50million release clause and is widely expected to leave Bournemouth once the transfer market reopens with Liverpool and Chelsea currently viewed as the most likely destinations.

However, a report from The Athletic on Friday suggested that Liverpool believe Chelsea to the front-runners in the race for Huijsen.

The article also highlighted the Reds' interest in Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, who's capable of playing both as a left-back and a left-sided centre-back.

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Arsenal have previously been linked with Hato, but last year's signing of Riccardo Calafiori makes a move unlikely.

Now, it is Chelsea who have entered the race to sign the 19-year-old this summer - as first reported by Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol on Friday evening.

The report claims that Chelsea are 'seriously considering' a move for the young Dutchman, and have been admirers for some time.

Liverpool and Arsenal's interest is mentioned, but it is Chelsea who appear to be gearing up to get a deal done.

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It is not yet clear whether Chelsea's interest in Hato is in addition to, or instead of, their pursuit of Huijsen, but it does offer a clear indication of where their defensive priorities lie this summer.

Hato has predominantly featured at left-back for Ajax this season, although he spent the majority of the 2023/24 campaign as a centre-back.

If Chelsea are indeed shifting their focus to Hato, then it could pave the way for Liverpool to take the lead in the race for Huijsen.

However, the Reds will be wary of past transfer battles - having lost out to Chelsea for both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia in the summer of 2023 - and may fear a similar scenario unfolding this year.

Liverpool are also in need of more reinforcements at left-back to provide competition for the long-serving Andy Robertson, with Huijsen's Bournemouth teammate Milos Kerkez frequently mentioned in reports.

The interest in Huijsen suggests centre-back is also a priority for Arne Slot - but it is worth highlighting that Hato could potentially offer cover for both positions.

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Who Liverpool ultimately pursue in those areas remains to be seen but, given recent developments, they appear set to be heading for another closely contested transfer battle with Chelsea and, perhaps, not just for one player.

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