Surprise Premier League club keen on signing Real Madrid defender this summer: Reports

Bournemouth are allegedly interested in signing Real Madrid left-back Fran Garcia to bolster their ranks in the summer transfer window.

Garcia, 24, has cemented himself as a squad option for Los Blancos since leaving Rayo Vallecano for over £4 million last summer. He helped his team lift the La Liga title, the UEFA Champions League crown, and the Supercopa de Espana honor in the 2023-24 campaign.

A La Fabrica product, Garcia started 18 of his 31 overall appearances for his club last season. He found the back of the net once, in a 4-0 league win over Granada earlier this May, and assisted six goals.

Now, according to The Athletic, Bournemouth have identified Garcia as one of their transfer targets this summer. Cherries manager Andoni Iraola is a huge admirer of the player, who reportedly would be willing to secure a permanent move away from Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Should Garcia decide to join the Premier League outfit in the near future, he could prove to be a stellar addition for them. He would offer competition to Milos Kerkez after Lloyd Kelly's move to Newcastle United.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, are said to be aiming to sign a new left-back in the summer. They are monitoring Alphonso Davies' situation at Bayern Munich and are also keen to sign Girona's Miguel Gutierrez, who has a buy-back clause of close to £7 million this summer.

Ex-Real Madrid star hails young midfielder

Ex-Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star Hamit Altintop has heaped praise on Arda Guler following the teenager's stellar displays at the ongoing UEFA Euro 2024. He said (h/t Yahoo! Sports):

"Football is an entertainment industry. But it also requires great professionalism. Arda's talent and character can be tested from time to time This not only applies to Arda Guler, but also to Jude Bellingham in England and other players. This is destiny."

Altintop, who played for Los Merengues 12 times in his career, added:

"He is a very talented and successful athlete, a player who is on the agenda. But we see Arda's development very positively. We are very happy with his posts, especially his attitude and his stance. Of course, we know his inner world best. He is very bright and is in his natural flow at the moment."

Since joining Real Madrid from Fenerbahce for close to £17 million last July, Guler has scored six goals in 12 outings across all competitions.

Guler, who has contributed a goal and an assist in four matches at the Euro 2024, is hoping to guide Turkey to the tournament's semi-finals.