Why Everton must snap up Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser on a free transfer

According to 90min.com (h/t The Liverpool Echo), Everton are interested in signing Bournemouth attacker Ryan Fraser this summer.

The Scotland international, 26, is likely to leave Bournemouth on a free transfer at the end of the season (h/t The Liverpool Echo). He enjoyed an excellent 2018/19 campaign, scoring eight goals and providing 15 assists for the Cherries.

Ryan Fraser has failed to replicate his form this term, however. He has scored a goal and supplied four assists in 27 appearances as Bournemouth struggle in the relegation zone. The report (h/t The Liverpool Echo) adds that Tottenham and Arsenal are considering whether to make a move for the 26-year-old at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park has brought optimism within the club as they chase European qualification. They have been in good form of late but need quality in nearly every area on the pitch.

Though the Toffees have a plethora of exciting attacking players, none of them has delivered the goods apart from Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin have contributed to 23 goals. Other attackers like Alex Iwobi, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Bernard, Moise Kean and Theo Walcott have contributed to just seven goals, with Bernard scoring three out of those.

Truth to be told, there’s enough room for improvement as far as Everton’s attack is concerned. Considering the attacking riches at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal, 37 goals in 29 league games is an ordinary return. Even though strengthening the attack doesn’t appear like a priority, Ancelotti cannot rely on his current crop to produce goals and assists consistently next season.

Predominantly a left-winger, Fraser is capable of playing in various positions across midfield and attack. He is also capable of playing in an advanced role and his goals are his 24 goals in his Bournemouth career so far are proof that he can be dangerous for his team in the opponent’s box. He is equally adept at creating opportunities, having registered 27 assists combined in the last three Premier League seasons.

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The Scotsman’s inclusion to the Toffees squad would bring in healthy competition. Fraser has the experience of 119 Premier League appearances as well.

Verdict

At 26, it would be the right time for the Scotland international to leave Bournemouth for a bigger club. He would be a quality signing for Everton – even more so on a potential free transfer.