Bournemouth have reportedly made a verbal offer to sign Nantes defender Nathan Zeze this summer.
The Cherries are bracing themselves for the potential departure of Dean Huijsen, just one year after signing him from Juventus.
Huijsen has established himself as one of the key members of Andoni Iraola‘s side, having started 24 of his 29 Premier League appearances this season.
The centre-back has also chipped in with three goals, including the equaliser in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
There is a possibility that Huijsen may only have three games left as a Bournemouth player, with the defender attracting significant interest ahead of the summer transfer window.
Bournemouth make Zeze offer
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle United have all been linked with a move for Huijsen, while Real Madrid recently sent scouts to watch the centre-back, along with his Bournemouth teammate Milos Kerkez.
With uncertainty surrounding Huijsen’s future, the Cherries are scouring the market for potential candidates to replace the Spain international.
According to L’Equipe, Bournemouth have submitted a verbal bid for Zeze after identifying the Nantes defender as a possible target.
The report claims that the Cherries have made a €20m (£17m) offer to sign a player who is under contract until the summer of 2028.
Bournemouth are believed to be facing competition from several European clubs in the race to recruit the left-footed defender.
Who is Nathan Zeze?
Zeze worked his way through the Nantes youth ranks before he made his senior debut in a Coupe de France game in January 2023.
The 19-year-old has gone on to feature in 33 competitive matches for the first team, including 19 appearances during the current campaign.
Zeze has started four consecutive Ligue 1 matches since he returned from a three-month injury layoff earlier this month, demonstrating that he is regarded as a key member of the Nantes squad.
The youngster’s impressive performances for his club have also created the opportunity for him to make a couple of appearances for the France Under-21 side.
Bournemouth seemingly view Zeze as someone who can compete with Ilya Zabarnyi and Marcos Senesi for a starting spot.
