The right back will become a Bournemouth player if he starts vs Aston Villa tomorrow, as that will trigger the obligation to buy clause in his loan deal from AC Milan.
As reported, the Cherries will pay €19million plus €5m in possible add ons for Jimenez, and he will sign a five-year deal.
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Iraola said it is only a matter of time before he becomes a permanent Cherries player, and praised the 20-year-old and the club for the signing.
“I don't know if tomorrow or the next one, but I think he's going to finish being our player and it's really good news for the club,” the boss said.
Alex Jimenez. (Image: Richard Crease)
“I think it has been quite easy, his adaptation. He started, first game I remember, with some yellow cards, some issues that are normal when you come to a new league, especially the Premier League.
“But from then, I think he has been very good defensively and offensively.
“Also, lately he's playing more in advanced position, he's also doing very well.
“But still he has room to grow and he has to be aware that you cannot lose any focus and you have to continue because the demands of the Premier League are very big, but he's doing very well.
“And I think he's very nice to sign permanently because I think he's going to be a very good player.”
Jimenez was in and out of the team at the start of the season, starting five of the first ten games he was available for after joining on deadline day in the summer.
But he has started each of the past 11 games and he has been a real standout for the Cherries, adapting quickly to the demands of the Premier League.
Alex Jimenez. (Image: Richard Crease)
This is despite playing in a couple of positions, both at right back and further forward on the wing.
Asked about taking any lessons on adapting players from Jimenez’s growth with the Cherries, Iraola said: “I think it's different because Alex doesn't speak English.
“I think it's not like someone— sometimes I say, I don't know, with Adrien Truffert, he comes, speaks perfect English, has been a captain, even if he's young, and adaptation will be easier.
“Alex now is starting to understand a little bit of English, but still has a lot of work to do there.
“I think he has the physical qualities to adapt well to this league because he's very good His acceleration is very good. He's— even if he doesn't look as strong, he has strong legs and he accepts well the challenges.
“And when you come to the Premier League, I think these qualities are very helpful and he has them.”