Report: Bournemouth plan ambitious double raid on Crystal Palace | OneFootball

Report: Bournemouth Target Five-Star Overhaul with Palace Duo on Wish List

Bournemouth’s ambitious transfer plans are beginning to take shape ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League season, with sources confirming a shortlist of five significant targets. The club is pushing forward with its summer rebuild under Andoni Iraola, following key departures and growing competition within the mid-table pack. According to Teamtalk the Cherries are actively pursuing Inter Milan defender Yann Bisseck, Crystal Palace pair Marc Guehi and Jean-Philippe Mateta, Juventus right-back Nicolo Savona, and Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao.

This marks a bold declaration of intent from Bournemouth, a club determined not just to survive in the Premier League but to disrupt the hierarchy. After a campaign of progress under Iraola, these transfer targets represent a step towards cementing their position as European contenders.

Photo IMAGO

Defensive shake-up key to Bournemouth’s vision

With Dean Huijsen already gone and Illya Zabarnyi tipped to follow him out the door, Bournemouth’s defence is in urgent need of reinforcements. Yann Bisseck has emerged as a priority signing. The 24-year-old Inter Milan centre-back has the physical presence and ball-playing ability that suits Iraola’s intense pressing system. Valued at £34 million, Bisseck is also on the radar of Tottenham and Everton, as reported by TEAMtalk’s Rudy Galetti on 24 April.

Guehi, meanwhile, would be a marquee arrival. The 24-year-old Crystal Palace defender, who is now an England international, brings leadership, Premier League pedigree and composure. Signing him would be a coup, but Bournemouth are battling stiff competition from Liverpool, Newcastle and Inter Milan. His signing would signal that Bournemouth are no longer content to be seen as merely a developmental side.

“Guehi’s potential acquisition signals the Cherries’ ambition to challenge for European spots, provided they are able to stave off Champions League playing suitors.”

Forward planning with Mateta and Paixao in sight

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s name is also on Bournemouth’s radar. The powerful Crystal Palace striker has enjoyed a resurgence in form, combining physicality and finishing that has attracted attention from Chelsea and Manchester United.

TEAMtalk reports that Mateta would be used to complement Evanilson in attack, offering versatility and strength. “Jean-Philippe Mateta has been earmarked by Bournemouth, to complement Evanilson in attack.” With Dominic Solanke’s future often speculated upon, adding another proven option makes strategic sense.

Further upfield, Igor Paixao of Feyenoord has caught the eye. The Brazilian winger has delivered eight goals and 14 assists this season, including standout Champions League performances. Valued at £25 million, he would likely be a replacement for Antoine Semenyo, who is wanted by Tottenham.

“Paixao’s pace and vision would help Bournemouth’s attack. Likely replacing Antoine Semenyo who is much wanted by Tottenham.”

Photo: IMAGO

Savona identified as creative full-back solution

In response to the imminent departure of Milos Kerkez to Liverpool, Bournemouth have already sealed the signing of Adrien Truffert from Rennes. However, that is not the end of their full-back business. Juventus’ Nicolo Savona has also been identified as a long-term right-back option.

At just 22, Savona has been likened to Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori, with attacking quality from deep and impressive defensive reading. Bournemouth have made initial contact, but Everton and West Ham are also keen on the Italian.

“Bournemouth have initiated contact over a move for Savona, but Everton and West Ham are also keen.”

Rebuilding process already in motion

Bournemouth’s intentions are clear. With multiple key players departing and interest intensifying in their top stars, the club is moving quickly to ensure continuity. This proactive approach, built around a well-structured recruitment strategy, suggests that the Cherries are no longer content to be reactive participants in the transfer market.

“To fund this spree, Bournemouth are already seeing top stars leave and sources at the club say that plans are already underway to replace the many players they are likely to lose this summer.”

Under Iraola, there is growing confidence that Bournemouth can evolve into one of the most progressive clubs in the division, both on and off the pitch. Their transfer policy speaks to that evolution.

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From a Bournemouth fan’s perspective, this report should spark real optimism. The fact that the club is even in conversation for names like Guehi and Mateta shows how far the project has come under Iraola. Last summer, Bournemouth were targeting mid-table stability. This year, it feels like European football is genuinely part of the conversation.

Marc Guehi would be a dream signing. His composure and leadership would transform the backline, and pairing him with someone like Bisseck could set the foundation for years. Realistically though, the competition for Guehi may be too steep unless the player is sold on being a talismanic figure rather than one of many stars.

Mateta is the type of striker who could give Bournemouth a new dimension. Evanilson and Solanke are technically sharp, but Mateta’s brute force could be invaluable in certain fixtures, particularly when Bournemouth are chasing games or facing deep blocks.

Igor Paixao is arguably the most exciting name on the list. Bournemouth need a bit more flair, especially if Semenyo goes, and Paixao’s numbers in the Eredivisie and Europe suggest he’s ready for the next step.

Overall, fans will be encouraged by how targeted these moves feel. This isn’t a scattergun approach. It’s strategic, exciting and shows that the club has learned how to balance ambition with realism. If even three of these targets are secured, Bournemouth’s 2025-26 season could be their most exciting yet.