5 players AFC Bournemouth should target before the end of the transfer window
Cherries new American owner Bill Foley is potentially heading for a hyperactive end to the January transfer window.
With the confirmed arrival of goalkeeper Daren Randolph and a loan move for Matías Viña on the horizon, here is another five players I think Bournemouth should look at signing.
1. Ola Aina (Torino)
The first player on our list is Nigerian full back Ola Aina—who could be an immediate solution to the season long problem of the Cherries’ defence—if they can tempt him to join.
He could slot straight in at right back with Adam Smith and Jack Stacey both struggling this season.
The 26-year-old has played in the premier league once before, where he enjoyed a successful loan spell at Fulham.
What makes Aina an attractive player is his versatility and defensive work. He is primarily a right back but has also played a lot at left back in a back four and even has an attacking wingback in a five.
He would provide more depth and cover for Jordan Zemura and Vina—if he joins.
He offers something different down the right flank, he is averaging 1.1 dribbles per 90 this season along with an average of 1.5 tackles and clearances per 90.
His season this year has been hindered by a hamstring injury, but Torino boss Ivan Juric has said that he is available for their next game. If Aina can stay fit, he would be a fantastic addition and could be available for a reasonable fee of around £10 million pounds.
2. Reiss Nelson (Arsenal)
Reiss Nelson has been utterly wasted at Arsenal—where he’s only played 316 minutes this season. Yet his stats show he’s been mightily impressive with those few opportunities. Two goals and two assists in that period. Arsenal have an abundance of attacking talent and Nelson is falling down the pecking order.
He is averaging one key dribble and one key pass per game this season where has only played a total of 316 minutes in all competitions.
Nelson has something to prove and a loan to the cherries makes sense for both parties. Despite Dango Ouatarra’s arrival, Bournemouth might not rule out another move for a winger. Marcus Tavernier and Junior Stanislas are both expected to return in early February, but it is unknown if Stanislas particularly can stay fit for the rest of the season.
This is where Nelson comes in, normally plays off the right, which is normally operated by Tavernier, but Nelson can offer something a little different. Nelson thrives off one-on ones and is a very technical dribbler. He is averaging one key dribble and one key pass per game this season where has only played a total of 316 minutes in all competitions. Along with this, he has two goals and assists at the time of writing.
The 23-year-old has a point to prove and a loan until the end of season could boost is confidence and maybe kick start his career. A player looking to make a statement has commonly thrived from a loan move. Take former Arsenal man Joe Willock as an example. He is currently playing his best football at Newcastle and has become a regular starter.
A 6-month loan could be a cheap cost-effective move to help Gary O’Neil’s side.
3. Nicolo Zaniolo (AS Roma)
According to reports, Bournemouth have already submitted an offer for Zaniolo and discussions are ongoing.
But would this be a good move for the Cherries? The 23-year-old offers something different for Bournemouth’s current attacking options and could thrive in their current system. Zaniolo’s best position is in behind the striker in an attacking midfield role.
With Solanke or Kieffer Moore playing up front, Zaniolo’s role would be to help provide for the striker and get into the attacking positions in and around the edge of the box. The one question mark for the Italian International is his injury record.
In the last three years, he has only played 1676 minutes which is very low. He has suffered two separate Cruciate ligament injuries which kept him on the side-line for near enough two whole seasons. When fit he is a great attacking threat and would give several sides a problem aerially and physically. His rumoured fee is around £27 million pounds which is a hefty sum but could easily turn into a very good deal if he is able to perform.
The Cherries will face competition from AC Millan and Spurs for the Italians signature.
4. Houssem Aouar (Olympique Lyon)
Houssem Aouar, a player previously linked with a massive money move to Arsenal is now a player receiving very little game time.
The French man is still only 24 and would offer a creative partner for Jefferson Lerma in midfield. Despite the lack of gametime, Aouar is a very technical and creative midfield player, his best position is normally in a more attacking role but did play his best football in a midfield two Under Rudi Garcia.
He possesses an impressive offensive skill set and has a very good eye for runs in behind and is a threat when it comes to dead ball situations as well. He is out of contract in the summer and could be available for around £12 million pounds.
In Gary O’Neil’s current 4-4-2 system, he adds something different from the deep lying midfield position. Despite being out of favour currently he is a player that needs to be re-unlocked, the ability is there and a move to England could be what the 24-year-old needs to gain confidence.
5. Tariq Lamptey (Brighton)
This is a very rogue pick, but the idea of Tariq Lamptey playing for Bournemouth would intrigue a lot of fans. For similar reasons to Aina this move makes sense but, Lamptey can offer a different perspective from right back.
The Ghanian is known for his pace and dribbling from right back, he is very good at using his low centre of gravity to take on other fullbacks and is not one to shy away from a tackle. Lamptey has featured 22 times this season, but Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly said the 22-year-old can leave the club. If he is to leave this could be a player to help Bournemouth go forward.
Adam Smith, Jack Stacey and Ryan Fredericks have all shared game time this season and have all had their own individual struggles. Lamptey is a more explosive creative and creative option and would be great at creating and finding runs down the right-hand side. It is currently unknown whether it is going to be Ouatarra or Tavernier operating the right flank in a fully fit squad, but Lamptey would be a great option with his ability to drive forward and overlap runs.
Lamptey’s market value is currently at £15 million pounds and a fee for that price would be a great bit of work from Foley and Co.
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