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This is the time of year when agents and scouts of young stars quietly move around Europe.

Clubs are planning their summer business early.

And when a top talent emerges, the noise builds fast.

Liverpool know this game well.

Their recruitment team has made a habit of identifying players before the market explodes.

But sometimes, it’s not just about watching.

It’s also about acting at the right time – before others get too close.

Now, there’s a new twist in the chase for one of Europe’s rising defenders.

A few weeks ago, he was just a name on a long list.

Today, he’s attracting real movement.

And Liverpool are very much in the mix.

18-year-old defender Dean Huijsen, currently at Bournemouth on loan from Juventus, is being tracked closely by Liverpool.

But they’re not alone.

Arsenal are also interested.

According to The Mirror, Huijsen’s father, Donny, was in London as recently as Friday to meet with “various interested parties.”

That detail shows just how serious the situation has become.

Liverpool like what they’ve seen in Huijsen’s development.

His loan spell has been valuable, and he has shown maturity beyond his age.

But this isn’t a simple race.

Arsenal admire him too?

And competition for his signature is “fierce.”

The Gunners are still weighing their summer plans, especially with their defensive situation uncertain.

But Liverpool are keeping close tabs, with Huijsen one of the names under active consideration.

There’s also the matter of a release clause.

Bournemouth’s £50 million valuation is steep.

And while that could slow Arsenal down, Liverpool haven’t ruled anything out yet.

Huijsen’s camp is clearly open to talks.

His father’s London trip confirms that.

The next move may come quickly – especially if Liverpool want to avoid being left behind.

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