AFC Bournemouth are reportedly in talks to sign Lorient star Dango Ouattara, with discussions coming days after rumours emerged that Everton had a bid rejected for the winger.
According to the Athletic, the Cherries are keen to land the 20-year-old attacker with new owner Bill Foley also in talks to acquire a 30% stake in Lorient, something that the American businessman believes will give Bournemouth the edge in signing Ouattara.
The Burkina Faso international has been in stunning form in Ligue 1 this season with five goals and five assists, and Bournemouth are far from the only club interested in signing Ouattara, with Foot Mercato reporting that Everton have already had a bid rejected for the youngster.
Labelled by Foot The Ball as an ‘explosive’ attacker, Ouattara looks set for a Premier League move this January after an impressive 18 months with Lorient, and Bournemouth could be the surprise winners for the African talent’s signature amid interest from Everton.
Indeed, the Toffees are in need of attacking reinforcements this month with Frank Lampard’s side sitting 18th in the Premier League standings, with Ouattara a signing that could have been perfect for Everton. However, Bournemouth have seemingly taken a commanding lead.
With Foley in talks to buy a stake in Lorient, it would make sense why the Brittany club would give Bournemouth priority in any deal to sign Ouattara. And for Everton, they will feel hard done if the Cherries end up agreeing a deal to bring the winger to the Vitality in the coming days.
Bournemouth signing Ouattara will sting for Everton
Ouattara has the potential to become quite the player in the Premier League based on his record with Lorient this season, which is why it would be a surprise if the attacker ended up signing for Bournemouth rather than a more established English side like Ouattara, who will feel the burn if they miss out on this deal.
After all, Everton are a club who are in need of attacking signings this month, and missing out on Ouattara due to Bournemouth’s potential new link to Lorient will feel like an unjust way to miss out on a player, who could soon be heading to the English south coast.
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