EDDIE Howe is predicting a bright future for Lys Mousset and believes the exciting Frenchman could prove to be a “real asset” to Cherries.

Cherries saw off strong competition to secure the services of the 20-year-old striker who yesterday became their third summer signing.

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 is a product of the much-vaunted Le Havre Academy which has played a part in the development of some of Europe’s top stars, including Paul Pogba and Dimitri Payet.

Mousset was one of the most prolific strikers in Ligue 2 last season, netting 14 goals in 28 appearances in all competitions.

Despite his exploits, the club missed out on promotion to the top flight, prompting speculation Mousset would leave the Stade Océane this summer.

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.

Mousset, who had also been a target for Copenhagen, Monaco, Sevilla and Torino, featured for France in the Toulon Tournament in May.

In his latest exclusive interview with the Daily Echo, Cherries boss Howe said: “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.”

Mousset, who joins fellow new recruits Emerson Hyndman and Nathan Ake, will tomorrow link up with Howe’s squad at Vitality Stadium for the start of pre-season training.

Although Mousset prefers to operate as a central striker, he is said to be comfortable playing anywhere in a front three.