Arsenal and Barcelona are reportedly interested in Juventus’s young Dutch centre-back Dean Huijsen, whose contract expires in 2024.
According to Calciomercato, Arsenal and Barcelona are alert to the contractual situation of Juventus’ 17-year-old Dutch defensive sensation Dean Huijsen. The youngster is a highly revered centre-back, and Massimiliano Allegri could steadily pull him into his first-team plans.
Juventus have a few promising youngsters on their hands for whom they see a bright future ahead. Alessandro Riccio and Dean Huijsen are two of the promising prospects coming out of their youth setup and could soon get integrated into the first team.
Massimiliano Allegri praised Huijsen after Juventus’s friendly win over Croatian side Rijeka. The 17-year-old Dutch defensive sensation played as part of a back three and excelled with a glowing performance. The manager’s comments on the defender certainly pointed to the intention to integrate him into the first team.
Regarding his style and productivity, the 17-year-old is already compared to former Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt. While Huijsen has plenty to learn and experience to come close to the Bayern Munich star, he has the ingredients to succeed at the highest level.
Juventus may not seem too worried about his current contractual situation. But Huijsen’s current deal expires in the summer of 2024. As there is no talk of a renewal, clubs like Arsenal and Barcelona are on alert and could approach the Serie A giants with a proposal.
Barcelona are in the market for a few first-team stars that could improve their squad. But they are also keeping a firm eye on young prospects from elsewhere, like Vitor Roque. The 17-year-old Dutch defensive sensation could become a solid target if the Catalans deem his price affordable.
Huijsen could develop under the tutelage of Xavi Hernandez. He can also learn from some of the defenders on the younger side of their career at the club. Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, and Jules Kounde could be perfect role models for the 17-year-old Dutch defensive sensation.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are reportedly keen to bring in a young defender that could develop at the club. The recent success with William Saliba is a prime example of Mikel Arteta’s plan with a young, bright centre-back. Even at Arsenal, there are plenty of role models for Huijsen to learn from and develop into a top-rated future star.
Arsenal are currently in the market for a new winger, with Mykhaylo Mudryk their primary target, and a midfielder. Arteta’s focus will remain on strengthening the first-team squad to challenge for the title. He also remains open to adding a youngster or two from elsewhere, meaning the interest in Huijsen could prove genuine.
Arsenal already have a host of promising youngsters coming through the academy ranks. Arteta might give them ample chances in the future. While Huijsen remains a highly-rated prospect, signing him would appeal to Arteta.
