Cherries seal deal for Afobe

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has finally bolstered his strike-force with the signing of Benik Afobe from Championship side Wolves for an undisclosed fee.

Howe has been in desperate need of strikers after losing both Callum Wilson and Max Gradel to long-term knee injuries earlier in the season, with his team just four points clear of the relegation zone in 16th place.

Afobe had attracted the Cherries' attention after scoring 10 goals for Kenny Jackett's men during the first half of the campaign.

The former England youth international moves to the Vitality Stadium on a four-and-a-half-year deal and becomes the south-coast club's second new arrival of the January transfer window following the loan acquisition of Juan Iturbe from Roma at the start of this month.

Commenting on the capture of the 22-year-old, chief executive Neill Blake told his club's website: "We are absolutely delighted to secure the signature of another undoubted talent in Benik Afobe.

"It has been difficult to miss Benik's outstanding progress as a player, firstly with MK Dons and then Wolves, where he has been a consistent threat in front of goal. His pedigree as an Arsenal academy product must also not be underestimated.

"Thank you to Jez Moxey and Wolverhampton Wanderers who have been a pleasure to deal with throughout negotiations. We look forward to seeing Benik in an AFC Bournemouth shirt soon."