Cherries Look Set To Sign Highly Rated Elche Forward

The Cherries appear to be on the verge of adding another exciting attacking talent, with a deal for Elche striker Alvaro Rodriguez expected to be completed in the coming days. Reports in Spain and England suggest the Cherries have agreed a package worth up to £25 million for the former Real Madrid forward, underlining the club's ambition ahead of their first Europa League campaign.

New Bournemouth head coach Marco Rose has already inherited an exciting and fluid attack featuring Eli Junior Kroupi, Justin Kluivert and Evanilson, but Alvaro offers a different profile. His physicality should provide an alternative when Bournemouth need to play more directly, while his work rate fits the intense pressing style that the Cherries have become known for. Rose is known to favour two central strikers in his attack and the addition of Rodriguez could compliment the club's current crop of attackers perfectly. 

Born in Spain, he has represented both Spain and Uruguay at youth international level and his hold up play, intelligent movement and willingness to bring team mates into the game make him a natural focal point, while his ability to attack crosses could offer Rose's men another dimension in the final third. Standing at 6ft 4in, the Uruguay international combines an imposing aerial presence with impressive mobility, making him far more than a traditional target man. He relishes physical battles with defenders, presses aggressively from the front and is comfortable linking play, he could well be a useful weapon in the Cherries attacking armoury. 

Following the signing of understudy goalkeeper Fraser Forster, this would be the second signing since Marco Rose has walked through the door. The Bournemouth faithful will be hoping for a few more additions with a gruelling Premier League and European schedule ahead of them.

The Cherries may have to stand firm in fighting off interest in their star frontman Eli Kroupi, with Tottenham the latest club to show interest. The club have remained firm in their stance that they do not want to be losing any of their key men, and need to give the new head coach all the tools to start his tenure successfully. 

The move for Rodriguez could have major implications for Enes Unal's future at the club though, with the Turkish striker facing an increasingly uncertain role. Unal has struggled to establish himself since arriving permanently from Getafe, with two serious ACL injuries disrupting his progress and limiting his impact. Although he remains a useful option within the squad, Bournemouth's willingness to invest heavily in another forward could suggest they are already planning for a future without him.

If Bournemouth complete the signing as expected, it may not immediately end Unal's Cherries career, but it would almost certainly leave him as a fourth choice striker. With limited opportunities likely, a summer exit, whether that be on loan or permanently, could become the best outcome for both parties.

Credit: BBC Sport.