Bournemouth agree £25.7m deal to sign Elche striker Alvaro Rodriguez
Bournemouth have agreed a deal worth up to £25.7m with Elche for striker Alvaro Rodriguez as they prepare for a first Europa League campaign.
The 21-year-old is scheduled to undergo a medical on Monday before signing a five-year contract at the Vitality Stadium.
An initial fee of £21.4m has been settled between the clubs, with performance-related add-ons potentially taking the final package higher.
Spanish giants Real Madrid are set to receive half of the total transfer fee after inserting a sell-on clause when the Uruguay youth international departed the Bernabeu last summer.
New era under Marco Rose
The arrival of the highly-rated forward marks the first major piece of business for newly appointed manager Marco Rose.
The former Borussia Dortmund head coach took charge of the south coast club following Andoni Iraola’s high-profile departure to Liverpool.
Rose is seeking to bolster a squad that achieved a record-breaking Premier League finish last term, with a left-sided centre-back remaining a priority target in this window.
The incoming attacker will provide direct competition for Brazilian frontman Evanilson, while Turkish international Enes Unal could be sold if a suitable offer materialises.
Holding firm on Alex Scott
While strengthening their attacking options, the Cherries are also battling to retain their most prized midfield asset.
Club hierarchy have reportedly placed an £80m valuation on Alex Scott and insist the youngster is entirely off the market despite concrete interest from Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City.
Bournemouth are keen to secure the midfielder on improved terms, which may include a predetermined release clause akin to the arrangement that facilitated Antoine Semenyo’s recent £65m switch to the Etihad Stadium.
To acclimatise to the rigours of continental football, the squad will undertake an extensive pre-season schedule featuring European fixtures against St Pauli, Augsburg, Real Betis and Mainz.