Bournemouth handed fresh Rubén Vargas chance as Sevilla set January price

Bournemouth could be given another opportunity to sign Rubén Vargas in January, with Sevilla reportedly now prepared to sell the Switzerland international to raise funds.

The Cherries are said to have made two attempts to sign Vargas during the summer, offering €9.5 million (£8.2m) and then €10m (£8.7m). Sevilla rejected both approaches.

The situation has now changed.

According to Spanish outlet Orgullo Biri, Sevilla have identified Vargas as a player who could generate significant income during the January transfer window. They are reportedly seeking between €18m (£15.6m) and €20m (£17.3m).

That represents a substantial increase on Bournemouth’s previous offers, but the crucial difference is Sevilla’s apparent willingness to negotiate.

Sevilla signed Vargas from Augsburg for just €2.5m (£2.2m) in January 2025, meaning a sale around their current asking price would represent a considerable profit.

The 27-year-old remains under contract until 2029.

Sevilla’s motivation is reportedly financial. They want to create room to strengthen their squad, with signing a first-choice centre-back identified as a priority.

Selling Vargas could provide the money required to make that move.

Bournemouth are not alone in monitoring the situation. Tottenham, Aston Villa, West Ham and Brighton were all linked with the winger during the summer.

Leeds United, Sunderland and Crystal Palace have also reportedly made enquiries at various stages.

There has been interest from outside England too. Villarreal are said to have offered €15m (£13m) in August 2025, while Olympiacos were credited with an €8m (£6.9m) proposal.

Vargas is currently recovering from a knee problem which has kept him sidelined since the middle of August.

As a result, he has played only 20 minutes across Sevilla’s opening seven league fixtures.

His reputation nevertheless remains strong following an impressive World Cup with Switzerland. Vargas scored against Canada and registered two assists, while also earning man-of-the-match recognition against Bosnia.

The winger is also said to have ambitions of playing Champions League football, which could influence his decision if several clubs make offers in January.

For Bournemouth, the financial demands are considerably higher than they were prepared to meet during the summer. Sevilla’s changed position, however, means there could finally be a genuine opportunity to negotiate.

January could provide Bournemouth with their clearest opportunity yet to sign Vargas, although they would need to significantly increase their previous offers.

Sevilla’s need to raise money for a new centre-back strengthens the possibility of a winter sale, but competition and Vargas’ Champions League ambitions could complicate Bournemouth’s position.

His recovery from the knee problem will also be important. If Vargas returns to fitness and quickly rediscover his World Cup form, Sevilla could find themselves with several interested clubs competing around their €18-20m valuation.