Eddie Howe faces a difficult task to end Bournemouth’s two-game losing streak in the Premier League with a visit from Arsenal next up.

The Cherries have been the surprise package thus far, sitting comfortably in sixth place after 12 games. Bournemouth can move within one point of the Gunners if they come out on top at the Vitality Stadium. Despite losing back-to-back games against Manchester United and Newcastle, confidence will remain sky high on the south coast.

The January transfer window is less than two months away, and Howe will be able to bolster his ranks to ensure his side’s excellent start to the campaign continues. With a few more additions, qualifying for Europe won’t be out of the realms of possibility.

The ideal January recruit could be Chelsea outcast – Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt, the England international was expected to fight for a first-team place after impressing for Crystal Palace and at the 2018 World Cup. Maurizio Sarri was keen to keep the youngster but has given Loftus-Cheek just 94 minutes of action in the Premier League so far this season.

A strong, powerful midfielder, Loftus-Cheek would add steel to the Bournemouth midfield and would be an excellent partner for Lewis Cook. Howe has a reputation for working and bringing the best out of youngsters meaning Bournemouth would be the perfect home for the 22-year-old. The Englishman will have a point to prove, and the Cherries would be the team to benefit.

Securing Loftus-Cheek’s services could be the boost Bournemouth need to achieve European football for the first time in their history.

Bournemouth fans, thoughts?