Bournemouth have announced the signing of striker Alvaro Rodriguez from Spanish club Elche in a deal worth up to £25.7m.

Rodriguez has joined on a five-year contract to strengthen the Cherries’ forward line alongside Evanilson, with the deal confirmed on the day of his 22nd birthday.

Rodriguez should provide a more physical presence in attack and will add competition and depth as Bournemouth prepare for their first season in Europe having qualified for the Europa League.

Real Madrid will receive 50% of any future transfer fee for the Uruguay youth international, who is also eligible to represent Spain, after selling him to Elche last summer.

Rodriguez scored seven goals and provided five assists in 34 La Liga appearances last season.

New Bournemouth manager Marco Rose had previously been interested in signing Rodriguez before his move to the Vitality Stadium, while the Cherries had also been scouting him for some time.

It is also understood Rodriguez is not being signed as a replacement for teenage forward Junior Kroupi, who has been linked with a move away, with the Cherries instead looking to sell Turkey striker Enes Unal.

“It is a great privilege to be here,” Rodriguez said. “I have always wanted to play in the Premier League and now, on my birthday, I can make that dream a reality.

“It has been a dream since I was a child and, when my agent told me Bournemouth were interested, I could not believe it.

“Everything I have experienced so far is important for this next chapter and I want to keep improving here.”