Alex Jiménez to Fiorentina: loan with €20m option

Fiorentina have struck a deal for a young and talented name to strengthen the right side of their defence this summer transfer window. According to Sky Sports and transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, the Viola are signing Spanish player Alex Jiménez, who plays for Premier League side Bournemouth, on loan. The deal also includes a €20 million buy option that would allow the player to be signed permanently later on.

According to Romano, a verbal agreement on the loan move has been reached between the two clubs, and the player is undergoing a medical in Florence today. Following the medical, the paperwork is expected to be signed and the transfer made official. The move is seen as part of Fiorentina's plan to add both youth and experience gained in Europe's top leagues to their right-back area.

Born in 2005, Alex Jiménez began his football journey in Real Madrid's academy before moving to Milan. The Spaniard impressed at Bournemouth last season, having first joined on loan, after which the English club exercised their buy option to sign him permanently. Able to operate at right-back, on the right wing and even as a wide midfielder, his versatile profile makes him a player who can adapt to different systems.

Standing out for his pace, his strength in duels and his wide passing range, the young player has also represented Spain at youth international levels. Fiorentina are said to be aiming to add dynamism to their defensive line with this transfer while making a long-term investment. Should the medical produce a positive result, Jiménez is expected to become an official Viola player in short order.

Source: Sky Sports

Image: Yahoo Sports