Arsenal now want to sign defender compared to Cristian Romero as Real Madrid step up £50m Dean Huijsen talks – journalist

Arsenal are keen to sign a new central defender this summer, but the pathway towards landing Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth is becoming a bumpy one.

Fabrizio Romano believes the Gunners are willing to pay £50m for Huijsen – the value of his release clause – although Liverpool and Real Madrid are also prepared to do so.

TBR Football understand Real Madrid have actually been in talks with the Spaniard’s representatives for months, and have the Bournemouth No.2 at the top of their list after Xabi Alonso requested the arrival of a new defender.

In the meantime, Arsenal could be turning their attention elsewhere, with the Gunners now adding Juan Gimenez to the transfer shortlist.

Arsenal want Juan Gimenez

Florian Plettenburg of Sky Germany is now claiming that Arsenal have shortlisted the 19-year-old in their hunt to provide depth behind William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

The respected journalist adds that Borussia Dortmund are also keen on the teenager, while Arsenal are monitoring Victor Valdepenas of Real Madrid too.

Plettenburg wrote on X (previously known as Twitter): “Arsenal have added Juan Gimenez (19, Rosario Central) and Victor Valdepenas (18, Real Madrid Castilla) to their shortlist. Both players are being monitored.

“They are seen as potential transfer targets for the future. Gimenez is also on the radar of Borussia Dortmund – and other top clubs as well.”

The Rosario No.24 has made six appearances for the Argentina U20 side, and looks to have a very bright future in the game.

Juan Gimenez has been compared to Cristian Romero

Arsenal would struggle to sign Cristian Romero, given the fact he plays for bitter rivals Tottenham, although Gimenez may represent the closest, obtainable defender to the Argentine.

Rising Gems – an account focused on the next generation in football – have compared the Arsenal target to the Tottenham stalwart, describing the Rosario wonderkid as a player who excels in possession, but also has the physicality to boot.

Romero is wanted by Atletico Madrid and Diego Simeone – who are willing to spend around £40m on the South American – so if Gimenez is actually capable of emulating the Tottenham No.17 in future, Arsenal would be minded to swoop in early.

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