Ryan Fraser was one of the most productive players in the Premier League last season and he is interested in a switch to Arsenal this summer.
Football Insider has reported that Fraser has already told his friends that he is keen to make a move to the Emirates Stadium as the Gunners prepare a bid, which is expected to be around £20million, to secure his services for the upcoming season.
Under the tutelage of Unai Emery, Arsenal were decent last season but they missed the chance of getting back to the Champions League after they finished fifth in the Premier League and lost to Chelsea in the Europa League final.
Emery is expected to have a tight budget to use in order to beef up his ranks. As he has plenty of areas to address, it would be important for him to work upon shrewd deals and try to add the required reinforcements to his artillery.
Ryan Fraser: Profile
Fraser started his youth career at Aberdeen back in Scotland and steadily paved his way to their senior side. In the January transfer window of 2013, he sealed a move to Bournemouth.
During his first season, he helped the Cherries earn promotion to the Championship from League One and in the following season, he aided them in their promotion to the Premier League.
However, he was shipped out on loan to Ipswich Town for the 2015-16 campaign and after his return, he has managed to cement his place in the starting line up and also become an important player for them.
Last season, he scored 7 goals and registered a whopping 14 assists in the top flight for Howe’s side and owing to his displays and impressive numbers, it is not surprising to see him get linked with a big club like Arsenal.
Will he be a good signing for Arsenal?
The north London outfit do need quality in the wide areas and Fraser could be an astute signing for them. He has a lot of pace to burn and his accurate fizzing crosses are another hallmark of his gameplay.
The Scottish international releases the ball quickly and effectively and certainly backs himself to beat his marker with his speed. He has the ability to influence the game in the final third and his clinical nature will come as a relief to the attack who have had to completely rely on Lacazette and Aubameyang to provide the goals, which is a travesty for a huge club like Arsenal.
They need more options in the creative department as the likes of Ozil and Mkhitaryan have fallen short and Emery can well take a gamble on the direct approach of someone like Fraser, who might not be a straightforward signing considering the players who have featured on the wing for the Gunners before this, but can turn out to be an excellent acquisition in the coming days.
Moreover, he is a 25-year-old now and his peak years are ahead of him and with the player entering the final year of his contract, Bournemouth might be cajoled into selling him despite Eddie Howe’s claims during the season.