Bournemouth favourites to beat Arsenal, Liverpool & Watford by signing the “new Lionel Messi”

AFC Bournemouth have reportedly become the new favourites to land the “new Lionel Messi” – Juan Iturbe.

The newly promoted Premier League outfit, who have won their last three fixtures against Chelsea, Manchester United and West Brom, were behind rivals Watford in the running to sign the Roma forward during next month’s transfer window.

The 22-year-old; who has one international cap for Paraguay, despite being born in Argentina, has scored one and assisted another goal in 12 Serie A appearances so far this season.

Reports in Italy suggest the Cherries have agreed a £1.5m loan agreement for Iturbe’s transfer in January, with an option to buy for a colossal £18m during the summer.

The rapid right winger, who has also attracted interest from the likes from Arsenal and Liverpool in the past, joined Roma from Italian rivals Verona in a deal worth €24.5m in July 2014.