Monday 18 July 2016 09:37, UK
We take a look at the ways in which Bournemouth need to strengthen in the summer transfer window.
What are the key areas for improvement? Who could fill the gaps?
We examine the situation with the help of manager quotes and expert pundit views...
Jordon Ibe (Liverpool, £15m),Lys Mousset (Le Havre, £5.4m), Emerson Hyndman (Fulham, £0.75m), Nathan Ake (Chelsea, loan), Lewis Cook (Leeds, £7m).
Jayden Stockley (Aberdeen, free), Sylvain Distin (released), Tommy Elphick (Aston Villa, £3.6m), Matt Ritchie (Newcastle, £12m), Lee Tomlin (Bristol City, £3m), Glenn Murray (Brighton, loan)
Only bottom-club Aston Villa conceded more goals than Eddie Howe's side last season so defensive reinforcements are likely to be a priority for 2016/17. Club captain Tommy Elphick has departed and long-term injury victim Tyrone Mings is not expected to be fit for the start of the campaign so expect the Cherries to strengthen at the back before the big kick-off.
Howe has already tinkered in midfield with promising talent Lewis Cook arriving, while Matt Ritchie has left for Newcastle, but it's further forward that he'll be looking for goals. Josh King was top scorer with just six last term and Howe will be hoping that either Callum Wilson or record signing Benik Afobe can improve significantly on that tally in 2016/17. Howe has bolstered the supply line at least with the club-record £15m signing of Jordon Ibe from Liverpool.
A £15m outlay for Ibe shows that Bournemouth have money to spend and Howe could yet seek further additions. In defence, Steven Caulker has long been linked with a switch to the south coast and there could yet be more changes to the forward line with Lewis Grabban one who could move on.
Finding players who fit in well with what Bournemouth are already trying to do appears to be Howe's priority for the potentially difficult second season. New striker Lys Mousset has been described by Howe as "very much in the Bournemouth mould", while of Nathan Ake, he is "keen to see how he fits into the talented squad we have".
"They're doing OK at the moment but I don't think they will get carried away in their second Premier League season. They'll probably look to try and replace players who have left and those that will be leaving.
"They do love to get the full-backs going. They get into the wide areas and they will get the ball into the box. I think the thing Eddie Howe wants is for all his players to be very comfortable on the ball, so I think that's the kind of player he will be looking for this summer."
