Dean Huijsen: A Premier League-Ready Successor if Gabriel Magalhães Leaves Arsenal
For the second straight summer, Gabriel Magalhães could find himself at the center of a transfer storm. Last year, reports emerged of significant Saudi Arabian interest in Arsenal’s imposing Brazilian center-back, with the nation state clubs ready to offer a massive financial package to both Arsenal and the player. At the time, Arsenal resisted—Gabriel was too important, too integral to Mikel Arteta’s system. But now, with Saudi clubs expected to return with a more substantial offer, the situation might not be as straightforward.
If Gabriel does leave, Arsenal will need a ready-made replacement—not just a defender with promise, but one who can step into the first team immediately and handle the demands of Arteta’s high-line, possession-based football. That’s where Dean Huijsen enters the conversation.
At just 19 years old, Huijsen has already made a name for himself in the Premier League with Bournemouth, proving that he can handle the physical and tactical rigors of England’s top flight. More importantly, his blend of elite ball-playing ability, defensive awareness, and aerial dominance makes him an excellent stylistic fit for Arsenal. In many ways, he’s exactly the type of defender the Gunners would look for in the event of Gabriel’s departure.
Who is Dean Huijsen? A Rapid Rise to Prominence
Dean Huijsen’s story is one of rapid development and relentless ambition. Born in Amsterdam in April 2005, Huijsen moved to Spain at a young age and developed his game at Málaga CF’s youth academy before being snapped up by Juventus in 2021. His progression through the ranks at the Turin-based club was swift—he dominated at youth level, impressed in the Juventus Next Gen side, and even made his Serie A debut in October 2023.
A loan spell at Roma in early 2024 gave him his first taste of top-flight football, and despite some inconsistent performances, he showed flashes of immense quality—particularly in his ability to carry the ball out of defense and distribute with precision. However, Juventus, undergoing a defensive rebuild under Thiago Motta, decided to cash in, selling him to Bournemouth for €15.2 million in the summer of 2024.
That decision has turned out to be a masterstroke for Bournemouth. Under Andoni Iraola, Huijsen has not only adapted to the Premier League but has quickly established himself as one of the best young defenders in the division. His performances have been so strong that Real Madrid and Liverpool are now closely monitoring his development.
Why Arsenal Should Target Huijsen if Gabriel Leaves
If Arsenal loses Gabriel, they lose more than just a physical, left-sided defender. They lose a progressive passer, an aerially dominant presence, and a reliable enforcer who has built great chemistry with William Saliba. Any replacement must offer a similar skill set while also fitting into Arteta’s tactical demands.
Huijsen, despite his age, ticks most—if not all—of those boxes.
Ball Progression and Distribution
In Arteta’s system, Arsenal center-backs aren’t just there to defend—they’re critical in build-up play. Gabriel and Saliba both rank among the best center-backs in the league for progressive passing and carrying, often stepping forward into midfield to break the opposition’s first line of defense.
Huijsen is elite in this regard.
- His progressive passes (72nd percentile) and progressive carries (89th percentile) among center-backs highlight his ability to move the ball forward with confidence.
- He’s two-footed, meaning he can pass or dribble out of pressure in multiple directions—an invaluable trait when playing in a high-pressing league like the Premier League.
- His composure on the ball is exceptional, reminiscent of a young John Stones. He rarely panics under pressure, making him a strong fit for Arsenal’s possession-heavy system.
Defensive Awareness and Interceptions
While Huijsen isn’t as battle-hardened as Gabriel yet, he already ranks in the 97th percentile for interceptions, which indicates strong reading of the game and anticipation. This is an area where he arguably surpasses Gabriel, who relies more on physicality and positioning rather than stepping out early to intercept.
- Huijsen’s ability to snuff out danger before it develops could be a huge asset, especially for a team like Arsenal that often plays with a high defensive line.
- His ability to play in both a back four or a back three adds versatility, something Arteta values highly.
Aerial Presence and Set-Piece Threat
Gabriel is one of the best aerial defenders in the Premier League, and Arsenal would need to replace that dominance if he leaves. While Huijsen is still developing in this area, his 6’6” (1.97m) frame gives him a natural advantage.
- He wins around 76% of his aerial duels, compared to Gabriel’s 78%—showing he’s not far behind in this regard.
- He’s already a set-piece threat, scoring multiple goals for Bournemouth and Roma.
- His ability to dominate in defensive aerial duels makes him reliable against Premier League’s physical strikers.
Premier League Experience
Many highly-rated defenders struggle when transitioning to the Premier League. The speed, intensity, and physicality can overwhelm even the most talented young players. Arsenal doesn’t have time for a slow adaptation if Gabriel leaves—they need someone who’s already proven in England.
Huijsen has already adapted. He’s played against the likes of Erling Haaland, Mo Salah, and Alexander Isak and has held his own. That experience is invaluable compared to signing a highly-rated defender from another league who might take a season to settle.
Age, Potential, and Future Resale Value
At 19, Huijsen isn’t just a short-term fix—he’s a long-term investment.
- His ceiling is sky-high, and there’s a legitimate argument that he could develop into one of the best defenders in Europe.
- Given his age, if Arsenal were to sign him for €50-60 million now, his value could double within a few years.
- Real Madrid and Liverpool’s interest is proof that elite clubs see him as a future star—Arsenal has a chance to get ahead of the curve.
The Potential Challenges of Signing Huijsen
While Huijsen is a near-perfect fit on paper, there are a couple of challenges Arsenal would need to navigate.
- Real Madrid Factor: Huijsen has publicly stated his admiration for Real Madrid and might be tempted if they come knocking.
- Price Tag: Bournemouth reportedly values him at €60M due to his long-term contract (until 2030). While Arsenal could afford this, they’d need to act quickly before a bidding war erupts.
- Physical Development: While he’s tall and strong in the air, he still needs to bulk up to fully handle the Premier League’s most physical forwards.
Conclusion: If Gabriel Leaves, Arsenal Should Move for Huijsen
If Saudi Arabia returns with a massive offer for Gabriel, Arsenal will have a big decision to make. Losing him would be a blow, but the club must focus on the future rather than sentiment.
Dean Huijsen isn’t just a promising young center-back—he’s already a proven Premier League defender with world-class potential. He offers elite ball progression, defensive intelligence, and aerial dominance, making him a perfect tactical fit for Arsenal. Given his age, profile, and experience, Arsenal would be wise to act now before Real Madrid or Liverpool swoop in.
If Gabriel leaves, Arsenal must go for Huijsen—before someone else does.
