Scott Parker explains 'big challenge' facing Emiliano Marcondes with midfielder's Bournemouth future unclear

A decision must be made over Emiliano Marcondes' uncertain Bournemouth future, Scott Parker has insisted.

Marcondes joined the Cherries last summer on a free transfer but, despite an early string of appearances and promising glimpses at the start of the previous campaign, now finds himself down the pecking order.

DorsetLive revealed earlier this week that he turned down a loan offer from Danish side Brondby to remain on the south coast and fight for his place in the Premier League - and it is understood he has held talks with the manager over his game time.

However, Parker will be keen to trim down his first-team squad before the transfer window closes on September 1, and Marcondes, as a result of his bit-part role, looks set to spend this term on the bench or in the stands.

Currently, whether the 27-year-old does exit Vitality Stadium or not will be decided over the next two weeks.

"Like anything, you move up in levels," the head coach said in his press conference ahead of this weekend's clash with Arsenal. "The levels you're going to is down to the players, ultimately, their talent, their levels, opportunity, of course.

"Regarding Emi, big challenge for him. It's clear last year he didn't play a lot of football. At the back end of the season in the Championship, he wasn't really involved around here.

"Constant professional. He had a big part to play early on and then he found himself out of the side.

"The decision will probably be for Emi again this year. We'll have to make that call as we get closer to that window, or between now and then, to see exactly what Emi wants and how that picture may look for him this year. Ultimately, that will be down for him."

It is believed Marcondes has conducted himself