A couple of weeks ago, we were rubbing our eyes and wondering what was happening as Watford and Bournemouth battled it out for Roma attacker Juan Iturbe. Bournemouth eventually won out and the electric but inconsistent Argentine moved to the Vitality Stadium on a loan deal with a view to making it permanent at the end of the season.
It could have been a blip on the radar. Bournemouth needed some attacking flair and Iturbe was available. Sure he wouldn't come cheap but maybe it was a case of going out on a limb on that one occasion before returning to the more tried and tested method of bringing in the likes of Glenn Murray and Artur Boruc.
Not quite. After tying up the deal for one faded wonderkid, they're currently in the market for another according to Sky Sports and their ubiquitous 'Sky sources'. The Cherries have made a loan offer for none other than one time AC Milan saviour Stephan El Shaarawy.
The 23 year old attacker broke into the Milan team at 19 and quickly gained a reputation as one of Europe's hottest prospects and international recognition with Italy soon followed. Unfortunately for the now 23 year old, injuries began to strike and his form dropped off significantly.
Despite his obvious potential, Milan cut their loses this summer and it was a bit of a surprise when he left for Monaco on a loan deal that would be made permanent when he made 25 appearances. Fast forward to January and he's made 24 with no chance of appearing again as Monaco don't want to buy him outright.
Step forward Bournemouth.
I cannot tell you how much I’d enjoy seeing a Bournemouth front line of Stephan El Shaarawy and Juan Iturbe flanking Glenn Murray.
— Karl Matchett (@karlmatchett) January 6, 2016
It's no surprise considering the kind of football that Eddie Howe looks to play but the ability to attract the likes of Iturbe and possibly El Shaarawy just goes to show what an insane couple of years we could be in for. The new TV money is on it's way and Bournemouth are in the perfect position to benefit from that like never before.
