According to the Daily Mail, the three London-based top-six clubs, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham, are currently monitoring Bournemouth midfielder Ryan Fraser. Newcastle United are also in the mix, though that would seem less of a step up in the challenge (and pay) that the 25-year-old is apparently seeking.
Ryan Fraser open to offers from rivals as Bournemouth grow fearful they will not have him beyond this summer | @AdrianJKajumba https://t.co/z80va8x8LC pic.twitter.com/Am4DHd42RX
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) May 6, 2019
Fraser caught the eyes of England’s big boys by racking up big numbers this season. He is second in the Premier League with 14 assists (one behind Eden Hazard), and has added 7 goals as well. As he is entering the final year of his contract, decisions have to be made soon, and he holds all the cards. So far, he’s refused to extend his stay with the Cherries, whom he joined as a 19-year-old for just £400k from Aberdeen. Bournemouth were still just in the third division (League One) at the time.
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe doesn’t sound too confident of being able convince Fraser to stay.
“We would sign Ryan to a new contract tomorrow but that’s obviously a two-way process.
“The only thing I would say is he is under contract next season. I have no intention of breaking this team up. That’s my wish. I want to add the other way and continue to improve us.”
-Eddie Howe; source: Daily Mail
It looks like Fraser’s more than willing to at least test the market before deciding his future. He may not be a household name yet, but he may yet turn his career-best season into a career-best salary somewhere in the Premier League’s top six. The Mail’s report claims Arsenal have to most interest, and that’s probably okay if it stays that way — Fraser doesn’t actually count as homegrown either.