West Ham are interested in Ryan Fraser (Getty Images)
According to the Daily Mirror (h/t The Metro), Arsenal are keeping tabs on Bournemouth star Ryan Fraser with a view to signing him on a free transfer this summer.
Ryan Fraser, 26, was linked with Arsenal under Unai Emery in January but Bournemouth managed to keep hold of the winger, who supplied 7 goals and 14 assists in 38 Premier League games last season.
But the Scotsman’s productivity has diminished this campaign as he’s managed one goal and four assists from 24 outings. The report (h/t The Metro) adds that the Gunners will face competition from Everton, but Bournemouth have not given up hope of Fraser committing his future at the Vitality Stadium by signing a new deal.
Arsenal are 9th in the table and face a fourth straight season outside the Champions League even though they have not tasted league defeat under Mikel Arteta since the turn of the year. Mikel Arteta has done a good job since replacing Unai Emery permanently at the helm of Arsenal.
Under the Spaniard, youngsters such as Bukaya Saka, Joe Willock, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah have impressed.
The Gunners have been plagued with defensive problems all season long and while there have been improvements of late, there remain concerns over the lack of consistency. Plus, they have also struggled to score goals and without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s contributions, it is difficult to imagine where the North London giants would have been on the table.
Aubameyang, who has netted 20 goals across all competitions, is out of contract in June 2021, while Mesut Ozil is 31 and he looks way past his prime. His numbers – one goal and two assists – are testimony to the fact.
Alexandre Lacazette has struggled for form for the majority of the season, whereas it won’t be fair to expect consistency from the young Eddie Nketiah yet. Having said that, Arsenal need more attacking punch in their squad next season and signing Ryan Fraser would certainly make sense.
Predominantly a left-winger, his 24 goals for Bournemouth so far are proof that he can be dangerous for his team in the final third. He is equally adept at creating opportunities, having registered 27 assists combined in the last three Premier League seasons.
The Scotsman may have not enjoyed a great season compared to the standards he set last season where he netted 8 goals and 15 assists. It was a superb return and that would certainly improve if he plays alongside lethal forwards like Aubameyang, Pepe and Lacazette.
At 26, it would be the right time for Fraser to leave Bournemouth for a bigger club. He would be a quality signing for Arsenal – even more so on a potential free transfer.
