With European football on the horizon, Bournemouth are being linked with an ambitious array of talent. From Nathan Aké and Ousmane Diomande to rising stars Carlos Espí and Arthur Atta, the Cherries are casting their net across Europe as they prepare for a landmark 2026/27 campaign.
Following a history-making campaign that secured European football for the first time in the club's history, AFC Bournemouth have wasted little time being linked with a host of players from across Europe as preparations begin for the 2026/27 season.
1: Mario Gila
📝 Source: Il Messaggero
⚽ Current Club: Lazio | Position: Centre-Back
REUTERS/Daniele MascoloBournemouth's search for defensive reinforcements has reportedly led them back to Mario Gila. The 25-year-old Spanish centre-back came through Real Madrid's academy before joining Lazio in 2022 and has since established himself as one of Serie A's more reliable defenders. Interest from the Cherries is not entirely new, with reports suggesting the club explored a move last summer. Strong in possession and comfortable defending large spaces, Gila appears to fit the profile of defender suited to Marco Rose's high-intensity style.
2: David Raum
📝 Source: Sport BILD
⚽ Current Club: RB Leipzig | Position: Left-Back
REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachGermany international David Raum has emerged as a potential target should he leave RB Leipzig this summer. The attacking full-back has become a regular for both club and country thanks to his pace, crossing ability and energy down the left flank. The rumour is particularly interesting given he was worked with Bournemouth's incoming boss Marco Rose. The 28-year-old has been a key part of Leipzig’s setup since joining from Hoffenheim in 2022.
3: Arthur Atta
📝 Source: Ekrem Konur
⚽ Current Club: Udinese | Position: Central Midfielder
French midfielder Arthur Atta is attracting significant Premier League attention after an impressive campaign in Serie A. The 23-year-old was named Serie A's Rising Star of the Month in April and has developed a reputation as a composed midfield orchestrator capable of dictating play. Bournemouth are reportedly preparing a bid in the region of €30 million, alongside interest from Brighton, Newcastle and Everton. His combination of technical quality and athleticism would make him an intriguing addition to Bournemouth's midfield options.
4: Carlos Espí
📝 Source: Matteo Moretto
⚽ Current Club: Levante | Position: Striker
One of Spain's most exciting young forwards, Carlos Espí enjoyed a breakthrough season by helping Levante secure promotion to La Liga. The 20-year-old scored 11 goals despite making only 13 starts, attracting widespread interest from across Europe. Bournemouth are among the clubs monitoring the striker, who reportedly has a €25 million release clause. Powerful, mobile and clinical in front of goal, Espí is viewed as a player with considerable long-term potential.
5: Ousmane Diomande
📝 Source: Football Insider
⚽ Current Club: Sporting CP | Position: Centre-Back
REUTERS/Pedro NunesSporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande is reportedly being considered as a replacement for Marcos Senesi. The Ivory Coast international has become one of Europe's most sought-after young defenders since arriving in Portugal, combining physical dominance with impressive composure in possession. At just 22 years old, Diomande would represent an ambitious signing for Bournemouth and a statement of intent ahead of their European campaign.
6: Darío Osorio
📝 Source: Ben Jacobs
⚽ Current Club: FC Midtjylland | Position: Winger
Chile international Darío Osorio is another player attracting Bournemouth's attention. The 22-year-old winger enjoyed an excellent season in Denmark, contributing eight goals and ten assists while helping Midtjylland secure silverware. Comfortable on either flank and even capable of operating as a wing-back, Osorio's versatility makes him an appealing target. With over 20 senior caps for Chile already to his name, he brings both youth and experience.
7: Nathan Aké
📝 Source: Graeme Bailey
⚽ Current Club: Manchester City | Position: Defender
REUTERS/Peter Powell Perhaps the most nostalgic link of the summer so far involves former Bournemouth favourite Nathan Aké. The Netherlands international spent four successful years on the south coast before earning a move to Manchester City in 2020. With questions surrounding Bournemouth's defensive depth after Marcos Senesi's departure, a return for Aké would bring proven Premier League quality, leadership and familiarity with the club. While undoubtedly a difficult deal to complete, it would be popular among supporters.
8: Jan Ziolkowski
📝 Source: Roma Press
⚽ Current Club: Roma | Position: Centre-Back
Polish international Jan Ziolkowski is regarded as one of the brightest defensive prospects in Europe. Having joined Roma from Legia Warsaw last summer, the 20-year-old has already attracted interest from several Premier League clubs. Reports suggest Bournemouth initially explored a move before shifting focus elsewhere, although the defender remains highly rated thanks to his physicality, composure and growing international experience with Poland.
9: Arthur Avom
📝 Source: Gianluigi Longari
⚽ Current Club: Lorient | Position: Defensive Midfielder
Lorient midfielder Arthur Avom has reportedly attracted enquiries from Bournemouth and Sunderland. The Cameroon-born midfielder is known for his relentless work rate, ball-winning ability and athleticism. Comparisons have even been drawn with N'Golo Kanté due to his ability to cover large areas of the pitch and disrupt opposition attacks. At 21 years old, Avom would represent a developmental signing with considerable upside.
10: Luis Henrique
📝 Source: FCInterNews.it
⚽ Current Club: Inter Milan | Position: Winger
REUTERS/Daniele MascoloBournemouth's interest in Brazilian winger Luis Henrique dates back to January and appears to have continued into the summer. The versatile attacker, capable of playing on either flank or in more advanced attacking roles, has impressed since moving to Europe. His pace, dribbling ability and direct style make him a profile that would suit Bournemouth's aggressive attacking approach under Marco Rose.
11: Álvaro Rodríguez
📝 Source: Matteo Moretto
⚽ Current Club: Elche | Position: Forward
Uruguayan forward Álvaro Rodríguez is another striker reportedly on Bournemouth's shortlist. The 21-year-old enjoyed a productive season with Elche, contributing seven goals and five assists in La Liga. Standing at over six feet tall, Rodríguez offers a different profile to many modern forwards, combining physical presence with strong technical ability. A reported valuation of around €22 million suggests Bournemouth would need to make a significant investment to secure his signature.
A Busy Summer Ahead
With European football arriving at the Vitality Stadium for the first time, Bournemouth appear to be casting their net across several markets as they look to strengthen multiple areas of the squad.
Defensive reinforcements feature heavily among the rumours, while the club is also being linked with a number of exciting young attacking talents from Spain, Portugal, Denmark and Italy.
Whether any of these names ultimately arrive on the south coast remains to be seen, but it is clear Bournemouth's recruitment team are targeting players capable of helping the club compete both domestically and on the European stage.


