Bournemouth have tabled a new long-term contract for their winger Ryan Fraser as they are hopeful of extending his stay at the Vitality Stadium.
The club’s official website has revealed that the Cherries are keen to hold onto Fraser who is on the verge of entering the final year of his contract. He is one of the prized assets in Eddie Howe’s camp and they are reluctant to lose him.
Although Bournemouth’s chief executive Neill Blake has stated that Fraser will not be sold this summer, it is no secret that their Premier League rivals Arsenal are desperate to lure him to the Emirates Stadium to strengthen their artillery.
The Metro has claimed that the Gunners were hopeful of securing a deal to sign him with a bid of £25million amidst all the uncertainty regarding his future. However, Blake’s statement implies that the club will leave no stone unturned to keep him on their books.
Is it a no-brainer for Bournemouth?
Fraser emerged through the youth ranks of Aberdeen and after showcasing his credentials for the senior side of the Scottish club, he got the opportunity to move to the Premier League with Bournemouth in January 2013.
After his current side were promoted to the Premier League in 2015, Fraser was loaned out to Ipswich Town. His loan move helped him to polish himself further and he has been a key asset for his club ever since his return.
Fraser scored 7 goals and also garnered 14 assists in 38 top-flight appearances last season and his stunning returns grabbed a lot of attention. Only Eden Hazard (15) registered more assists than him in Europe’s top five leagues last campaign.
The South Coast outfit finished fourteenth in the league charts during the last term and in order to move forward, they do need to retain Fraser at any cost while ensuring they hold on to their other key players as well.
Versatility is arguably one of his strongest assets as he is capable of plying his trade on either wing as well as a central attacking midfielder. His eye for the goal and penchant to find the right pass in the box will be extremely hard to replace.
His prime years are ahead of him and give his complete familiarity to English football, the attempt to retain his services for the long-term is a no-brainer.
