Bournemouth Opinion: Why Eddie Howe should go all out for Connor Roberts

According to a report from the Sun, Bournemouth are plotting a £10m swoop for Swansea star Connor Roberts.

The Wales international, 23, featured in 45 games for the Swans this season, scoring five goals and supplying two assists in the Championship.  And his performances in England’s second-tier have caught the attention of Bournemouth, who are set to test Swansea’s resolve with an initial £10m bid.

Bournemouth have already made their first move of the summer transfer window, by completing a move for Lloyd Kelly from Bristol City. The highly-rated Kelly, who can play either at left-back or centre-back, has put pen to paper on a long-term deal at the Vitality Stadium.

Now, the Cherries are interested in signing Connor Roberts which clearly tells us Eddie Howe’s interest in first shoring up his backline.

Howe’s men conceded 70 goals in the 2018/19 Premier League season, which is a shame considering the quality they have in their defensive ranks. And the 41-year-old manager is doing the right thing by first strengthening his defence ahead of the new campaign.

Bournemouth currently have two right-backs in skipper Simon Francis and Adam Smith. However, Francis is still recovering from a serious knee injury sustained in December. Smith, traditionally a right-back, has played on the left ever since the Cherries signed Nathaniel Clyne on loan from Liverpool in January.

But Clyne has returned to Liverpool after the expiry of his loan spell, leaving a huge void at right-back ahead of the 2019/20 campaign. That being said, Connor Roberts could solve Bournemouth’s right-back conundrum.

Roberts is a highly-versatile customer, who can operate at right-back, left-back, right wing-back and as a right-sided midfielder. The Welshman is an attacking full-back, known for his burst of pace and ability to whip in delicious crosses in the box. His dribbling ability, superb attacking presence and tenacious defensive attitude would make him a perfect fit for Howe’s style of play.

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The 23-year-old would be a superb addition for Bournemouth, what with his exciting, attacking playing style, and he would provide real competition for both Smith and Francis. Roberts may not be experienced in playing at the highest level, but he would give the Cherries much more impetus and urgency down the right-hand flank in their attacking play.

Verdict

A very talented player, Roberts would be a really exciting signing for Bournemouth.

Eddie Howe has a rich reputation of blooding youngsters and the Wales international would hugely benefit playing under the 41-year-old in the Red and Black strips.