The Bournemouth hitman would be a fantastic addition to the Middlesbrough squad this summer.
Boro boss Garry Monk will be desperate to add a more potent threat to his attacking options this month, after their inept front-line failed to fire in the Premier League last term – something that eventually proved to be a major contributing factor behind their relegation to the Championship.
With this in mind, Middlesbrough will surely be targeting an established forward, someone with Championship experience, who can help them return to the promised land, and who better than Bournemouth hitman Benik Afobe.
Bournemouth’s Benik Afobe in action
The Cherries man proved his class in the second tier during his time with Wolverhampton Wanderers, scoring 22 goals in 46 league outings, and if Monk could tempt him into a switch to the Riverside, he could prove to be the difference between going up to the Premier League and staying put in the Championship.
The 24-year-old former Arsenal star moved to the Vitality Stadium in January 2016, for a fee believed to be in the region of £10 million, but has made just 26 league starts since then for Eddie Howe’s men.
His game-time could be further reduced this season, following Jermain Defoe’s arrival on the south coast, and a move away from the club could be the ideal outcome for all parties concerned.
The 24-year-old striker is exceptionally quick, and would offer Boro more of a pacey threat in behind the opposition. He is also an accomplished finisher, and would surely guarantee Monk’s men between 15-20 goals this term, if he remains fit for the entire campaign.
The Express & Star claim that Bournemouth would be willing to accept a fee in the region of £8-10 million for Afobe, and in today’s day and age, that would surely represent fantastic value for Middlesbrough, especially if he went on to fire them to promotion to the Premier League.
Benik Afobe celebrates during his successful spell with Wolves
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
