Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has confirmed that the club are keen to sign a new centre-back before Monday's transfer deadline.
The Cherries have seen two important defenders leave this summer, having sold Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.
Bournemouth have delved into the market to strengthen their central defensive options with the addition of Bafode Diakite.
However, the Cherries are still short in the middle of their backline, with Iraola admitting that he wants a new centre-back before the end of the window.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola on July 26, 2025
Iraola reveals Bournemouth transfer wish
“It's true that we probably miss this central defender that we need after signing Bafode," Iraola told reporters after Saturday's 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
We need [one] because we've lost Dean and Zabarnyi, so we need another central defender, but if not, we still have options, and we will deal with the situation, but it’s true that we are working on it.”
Bournemouth have held talks with Chelsea over a move for Axel Disasi, but it remains to be seen whether they can agree a deal with the West London club.
The Cherries are also looking to sign a new full-back, amid reports that they are working on a deal to sign AC Milan's Alex Jimenez.
Their need to recruit a new right-back has grown stronger after Adam Smith was forced off in the first half of Saturday's Premier League outing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Bournemouth's David Brooks on August 30, 2025
Brooks set to stay at Bournemouth
While Bournemouth are focusing on incomings, they are also determined to fend off any interest in Wales international David Brooks.
The south coast side have rejected an £8m bid from Crystal Palace for a player who has entered the final year of his contract at the Vitality Stadium.
Iraola has now confirmed that the Cherries have no plans of parting ways with the winger before Monday's transfer deadline.
“We are going to keep David Brooks, yes, definitely," Iraola said. "He’s started every game, he's playing very well, it's going to be a strong competition for everyone in every position, but he's an important player for us and we are going to keep him.”
Bournemouth are sitting in seventh place in the league table after collecting six points from their opening three Premier League matches.
They will attempt to claim a third consecutive Premier League victory when they return to action after the international break with a home game against Brighton & Albion.
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