Bournemouth star signs for Napoli in shock loan move with £9m option to buy as midfielder joins ex-Premier League players in Antonio Conte’s side

Bournemouth midfielder Philip Billing has secured a surprise move to Napoli on loan. 

The deal will include an option to buy the 28-year-old at £9million.

Billing has been out of favour under Andoni Iraola, starting just one match for the Cherries so far this season.

He has played a total of 176 minutes for Bournemouth in the club’s superb league campaign. They are seventh in the table, three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

Billing’s departure comes with Max Aarons is in talks to join Valencia on loan with an option to make the deal permanent for £7.5million.

Mail Sport revealed this week that the former England U21 international would be allowed to leave amid interest from foreign clubs with LaLiga strugglers Valencia among them.

The midfielder (right) has seen his playing time limited this season under Andoni Iraola

Talks have accelerated in the last 48 hours and an agreement is now close.

The full-back, who joined the Cherries in 2023, has seen his first team opportunities limited under Iraola this season making just three appearances so far – including just one start. 

Clubs across France, Italy and Spain had expressed an initial interest in the 25-year-old. Ligue 1 club Lille were also among the teams interested.