Bournemouth transfer plan for £22m star emerges after Real Madrid decision - The Mirror

Bournemouth are reportedly targeting a transfer for a highly-rated prospect, who Real Madrid previously had first refusal on

Bournemouth are reportedly planning a permanent move for AC Milan loanee Alex Jimenez. The defender has quickly made an impact at the Cherries, with the full-back settling into Andoni Iraola’s side.

Jimenez arrived at Bournemouth on deadline day, having previously been linked with a move to Chelsea. The 20-year-old sparked interest after breaking into the Milan team during the second half of last season, making 22 Serie A appearances.

Bournemouth already had plenty of options at right-back, with Adam Smith and James Hill competing for the role at the start of the season. However, within a few weeks of moving to the south coast, Jimenez was making his first Premier League start.

Jimenez spent his early years rising through Real Madrid’s academy before moving to Milan on an initial loan in 2023. His move to Italy was made permanent for an estimated £4.4million the following year.

It is clear that Bournemouth have a highly-rated prospect on their hands. Spanish publication AS has reported that the Cherries will want to sign Jimenez regardless of whether the option to buy clauses are met at the end of his loan deal.

AS states that Milan included an option to buy worth around £17.5m, plus another £4.4m in add-ons, as part of Jimenez’s move to Bournemouth. It has previously been speculated that the Cherries would be obligated to pay up if Jimenez plays 18 games.

However, AS claims that Bournemouth would be willing to sign him permanently “no matter what”. Finalising a loan deal for Jimenez has placed the Premier League in a strong bargaining position.

The report explains that Real Madrid initially had first refusal on Jimenez, which they chose not to use in the summer window. However, the Spanish giants lost their priority after the full-back agreed to join Bournemouth.

The Spain U21 international has started five of Bournemouth’s last six games, playing a key role for the side that currently sits fifth in the Premier League. Making his first start against Newcastle in September, Jimenez was substituted at half-time, but still earned praise from his manager.

“I think he played really well, a very good first half,” Iraola told the Bournemouth Daily Echo. “I think he helped us a lot offensively especially he had even a couple of shots and he was good even defensively.”

Iraola explained that he substituted Jimenez because the defender had picked up a yellow card and appeared fatigued. The Bournemouth boss added: “But I think we have to work with him.

“He hasn't done probably a proper preseason, hasn't had the minutes that other teammates have had in the preseason. Also, he needs to adapt to the rhythm of the Premier League.”

However, Jimenez has demonstrated to Iraola that he is quickly adapting to English football. The 20-year-old has stepped up the challenge after admitting that his long-held ambition had been to play in the Premier League.

After signing for Bournemouth, he told the club website: "I’m very happy. I'm excited about this project and that they've welcomed me so well. I can't wait to start training with the team and playing with the team.

"It has always been one of my dreams to play in the Premier League and as long as I can fulfill a dream, I will be happy."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.