Why Bournemouth must complete Diego Rico and Mbaye Diagne deals before pre-season

With the emphasis on a good start to the 2018/19 campaign, Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe will look at pre-season schedule and will look to see what changes can be made.

The Cherries begin their pre-season against La Liga outfit Sevilla at the Pintar Arena in Murcia on July 14. Following the Sevilla game, they face another Spanish side, Levante at the Pintar Arena on July 20.

Eddie Howe and his boys then return to England with a trip to Bristol City on July 27 before playing another Championship side, Nottingham Forest, less than 24 hours after that. Bournemouth then welcome La Liga club Real Betis to the Vitality stadium for their first home friendly, on August 3.

On August 4, Howe’s men host French giants Marseille, just a week before the commencement of the brand new Premier League season.

Bournemouth start their season on August 11 with the visit of newly-promoted Cardiff City to Vitality Stadium. Howe will strive hard to improve the team this summer by taking a dip in the transfer market.

The Cherries have signed David Brooks from Sheffield United but will definitely need a few more additions to improve on last season’s 12th-place finish. That being said, here are two deals Howe must complete before the team jets off for the pre-season.

Diego Rico (Leganes)

According to reports, Bournemouth are interested in Leganes defender Diego Rico.

The sea-side club have also made a €8m offer for the left-back, who was one of the star performers in an overachieving Leganes side that comfortably avoided relegation in both their La Liga campaigns.

Rico, 25, joined the Madrid-based club from Real Zaragoza following their promotion in 2016 and has starred in Spain’s top-flight since. He played 33 times in all competitions last season, scoring 2 goals and registering as many assists.

A flying full-back, Rico could be a fantastic addition for the Cherries.

Mbaye Diagne (Kasimpasa)

As per reports, Bournemouth are one of the few Premier League clubs tracking Kasimpasa forward Mbaye Diagne.

Diagne enjoyed a solid season with Kasimpasa, scoring 12 goals and supplying 2 assists 17 Super Lig games. The Senegalese has 12 months left on his contract but Kasimpasa do have the option to extend it by an additional season.

The 6ft 3in Diagne is a powerful striker whose physicality is his main asset. He is not exactly a speed bullet but has the burst of pace to run past a player and also has good composure in front of goal. Due to his attributes, Diagne would be a perfect fit in the Premier League.