Ryan Fraser has admitted being linked to Arsenal has affected him on the pitch, something he hoped it wouldn’t do.

If you’ve been watching Ryan Fraser this season you would have seen him score his seventh league goal of the season against Brighton on Saturday as his side romped to a 5-0 win. He also grabbed two assists.

It’s hard, then, to imagine this is him playing poorly because he’s distracted by the links to Arsenal.

Speaking at the start of April, Fraser admitted Arsenal’s interest was ‘nice’. “I’m not going to lie, it’s very nice,” Fraser said. “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.”

He also said during that interview, “If you think like that [about playing for a move] I’ll probably have one [a bad game] at the weekend, my passing will be miles off.

“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.”

Now, however, he has admitted it is having an impact.

“Maybe it hasn’t helped,” he said. “Subconsciously, you might think about it. I’m just trying to get on with my work. Every player says that. The best thing I can do is play well.

“I need to get back to scoring, assisting and winning and then what will be, will be. I love it here. It’s not just the football club, but the manager, my team-mates, the town, the beach. I’ve always said that after football I will live down here. It’s special.”

Bournemouth are keen to renew the 25-year-old’s contract however it does seem as if a move in the summer could be on the cards.

Will it be to Arsenal? Only time will tell but the interest here seems real enough.