Bournemouth confirms loan signing of Juan Iturbe from Roma

Bournemouth confirmed the signing of winger Juan Iturbe on loan from Roma on Friday, validating December reports that the Cherries had hijacked Watford's move for the 22-year-old.

Included in the deal, which is subject to a European work permit, is an option to buy out Iturbe for an undisclosed fee at the end of the season.

The Argentine met his teammates and participated in training on New Year's Day. He will not, however, be available for Saturday's match against Leicester City.

"It's a big opportunity for me to come and play in the Premier League. I'd like to thank everyone for making this move happen and I'm very pleased to be here," he told the club's official website. "There were a few clubs that were interested but things happened pretty quickly and once this process was under way it was a straightforward decision for me to make."

Bournemouth offered more money to the player and Roma than Watford did, reports Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Sports, and ended up winning the bid.

Iturbe joined Roma from Hellas Verona in 2014 for £17.4 million. He couldn't maintain a spot in the starting lineup, registering just five goals in 55 appearances for the Giallorossi.

But the acquisition of such a young, explosive winger represents a huge coup for the Premier League newcomer. Bournemouth currently sits in 16th place, three points above the relegation zone. It has battled injuries to key players all season, including striker Callum Wilson, who scored a hat trick against West Ham in August.

Despite being absent since September, Wilson still leads the club in league goals with five. Iturbe, with impressive pace and scoring ability, will certainly lend a hand.