Why West Ham should make a move for Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser

Earlier this month, Daily Mail had claimed that West Ham were interested in signing Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser.

Bournemouth sit 16th in the table, with Ryan Fraser contributing just one goal and three assists. But the Scotsman really proved what he can do last year when he scored 8 goals and provided 15 assists. The winger’s contract is up this summer and it remains to be seen whether or not he extends his stay at the Vitality Stadium.

Meanwhile, West Ham have brought in goalkeeper Darren Randolph and Tomas Soucek this month. They are embroiled in a relegation battle and lost 2-0 to league leaders Liverpool in midweek. David Moyes has a massive job on his shoulders of helping the Hammers retain their top-flight status and he’ll hope his new signings make an instant impact at the club.

The Hammers have scored only 30 goals in 25 games, with Sebastien Haller failing to live up to the lofty expectations at the club. Haller has managed only six goals in 23 outings, often struggling due to a lack of support up front.

Albian Ajeti, signed from FC Basel before the start of the season, is yet to open his account, while forwards such as Michail Antonio, Andriy Yarmolenko and Felipe Anderson have contributed to a combined total of only five goals. Not only have the East Londoners struggled for goals but there is also a lack of creativity in the squad as well.

The likes of Felipe Anderson, Manuel Lanzini and Pablo Fornals have disappointed this season. To put things into perspective, Moyes should look to improve his attacking options in the summer window. In that regard, the West Ham boss should go for Ryan Fraser.

Fraser has been with the Cherries since 2013 and came up from League One to the Premier League with them. He may have struggled this season but he enjoyed his best season last term. The versatile winger finished the 2018/19 campaign with 8 goals and 15 assists in all competitions for Bournemouth.

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The Scotland international is a proven Premier League material, having amassed 116 top-flight appearances. At the age of 25, Fraser is about to embark upon the best years of his career and West Ham could enjoy them if they manage to land him in the summer.

Verdict

Fraser would bolster the Hammers’ attacking ranks if he reproduces the form he showed last season, whilst adding depth to the squad as well. Perhaps, a fresh move for next season could help him get back to his best, thus, West Ham should make an attempt to sign the winger from Bournemouth.