Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is delighted with their swoop for Lys Mousset.

Mousset penned a four-year deal and despite the fee being undisclosed, a post on selling club Le Havre's official website said the transfer was worth 6.8 million euro with an extra 500,000 euro dependent on appearances.

He was linked with a host of English clubs including Arsenal, Tottenham and Sunderland, while Southampton were believed to have been favourites to clinch his signature before boss Ronald Koeman upped sticks for Everton.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “Lys is a really talented young centre-forward who we believe will be a real asset for us, both in the short and long term. He has just had a really good season for Le Havre and scored a number of goals.

“Myself, Jason and our team of scouts have all watched him a lot and we liked what we saw.

“He is an under-20 international and recently played in the Toulon Tournament where he performed very well for France.

“There was a lot of competition for his services and it was quite a protected transfer so we are very pleased to have got it over the line.

“He had a good grounding at Le Havre. They have produced some good players and Lys has all the makings of being another one.

“Last season was his breakthrough season when he did very well for them and showed he is a player of rich potential.

“He has all the attributes you look for in a young player. He is a good size, he is very strong, very quick and knows where the goal is. He is very much in the AFC Bournemouth mould. We are really excited to have signed him and are very much looking forward to working with him."