Bournemouth have reportedly suffered a massive setback in their pursuit of 25-year-old Italian international Jorginho. The Napoli star has been a subject of interest to Howe for quite some time now with the English manager initiating a £18million offer. But, Napoli have been dead against selling him.
Here are the three options Howe could look at instead:
Jack Wilshere- There is a high chance that the Arsenal midfielder would return to Vitality Stadium this summer, this time on a permanent move. With Arsenal not giving up on their pursuit of Thomas Lemar anytime soon, Wilshere’s chances of reviving his career at his boyhood club seems very dim. Arsene Wenger is unlikely to give him more time by monitoring his progress through a temporary move.
With the likes of Granit Xhaka, Aaron Ramey, Mohamed Elneny and Francis Coquelin all fighting for a first team place and more importantly, doing well in Arsenal’s midfield, Wilshere getting a chance is a distant possibility. Although Arsenal’s Europa League games could have given him some chances this season, his fractured leg at the closing stages of last season means even that is an uncertainty now.
Eddie Howe knows Wilshere well and he had a brilliant season for the Cherries last season. With Jermain Defoe playing ahead of Wilshere, Bournemouth could be a real threat.
James Ward-Prowse- The Academy product of Southampton has exhibited some tremendous potential last season but in patches. Departed manager Claude Puel could hardly utilize his talents properly in the midfield. However, at 22 he still has a lot of time ahead and a nurturer like Howe would be of huge help for him. The arrival of Mario Lemina from Juventus could play a huge role in his leaving the club.
He could manage four goals and four assists in 30 games for the Saints last season. His ability to hold the ball and brilliant crossing have turned heads for sure. He possesses a tremendous right foot that can take inch perfect set-pieces.
Marouane Fellaini- The towering Manchester United midfielder looks all set to leave this summer. The arrival of Nemanja Matic from Chelsea was pretty much the final nail in his coffin at Old Trafford. Since joining the Red Devils in the David Moyes era, Fellaini has hardly been an impact player for them. His heroics at Goodison Park had vanished the moment he put on the red shirt.
Things reached the peak last season when his careless defending and patchy displays cost United some crucial games and were significant to their finishing in the sixth position. Although manager Jose Mourinho has denied his plans of selling him, we assume that stance is just to increase his bidding price. His experience and aerial abilities would surely come handy for Howe.
