Journalist, James Benge, believes Arsenal are a ‘promising option’ for Ryan Fraser after it was revealed the player has put contract talks with Bournemouth on hold until the summer when he will asses his options.
Taking to Twitter, James Benge said:
Bournemouth still hope Ryan Fraser will sign a new contract. As I understand it the player doesn't plan on engaging in talks until the summer, when all the power is with him. Arsenal looking like a promising option. https://t.co/RSqvx46Vm1
— James Benge (@jamesbenge) April 9, 2019
Eddie Howe is, of course, reluctant to lose a player of Ryan Fraser’s calibre, but the Cherries boss is not stupid. He knows that if a top club comes in for any of his players it will be hard to hold on to them.
Arsenal are in the market for a winger and Fraser’s name is one of a few that have been linked with the club.
“We have spoken to Ryan and his representatives about his contract. It’s one where we will see what happens,” Howe said.
“There is no doubting Ryan’s quality and how highly we think of him.
“He is an outstanding talent but it is a two-way prospect to sign a contract, so let’s wait and see.
“Ryan has contributed to the team this season but it’s not the time to talk about speculation.
“Who knows in the summer? It’s that time of year when things change and us ourselves will be looking to sign players.”
Speaking recently, Fraser admitted that it was ‘very nice’ that Arsenal are interested in him.
“I’m not going to lie, it’s very nice,” Fraser told Sky Sports. “It means you are doing something right. They are a huge club, a massive club. When you see your name thrown around you always think to yourself that you are a Bournemouth player and you try to do well.
“I’m not going to lie, you do feel good, especially when it’s a massive club.
“If you think like that [that the speculation will have an effect] I’ll probably have one [bad game] at the weekend, my passing will be miles off,” he continued. “I will just keep doing what I am doing, try to enjoy myself and try to win the game for my team. What will be, will be.”
Fraser’s side lost 3-1 at home on Saturday to Burnley but the Scot was one of Bournemouth’s better players on the day, getting a shot on target and playing a match-high of two key passes.
His passing accuracy of 73.9% was in the midrange for Bournemouth players on the day. Five starters registered a lower percentage while five were better.