Liverpool are reportedly set to join the pursuit of Bournemouth assist-king Ryan Fraser, who is also a target for rivals Arsenal and Manchester United.
As per a report from The Sun, Liverpool are the latest club to join the race to sign Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser. The Scotsman, who has only a year left on his contract with the Cherries, is also on the radars of fellow Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United.
Fraser came through the ranks at Aberdeen before joining Bournemouth in 2013. The 25-year-old has racked up 176 appearances for the Cherries, scoring 23 goals and setting up 29 more, with the 2018-19 campaign being one of his most productive seasons.
The recently concluded Premier League campaign saw Fraser finish with a return of 7 goals and 14 assists in 38 games. His tally of 14 assists in the division was only bettered by Chelsea superstar Eden Hazard. This sort of form, coupled with his contract situation, has led to a lot of interest from a number of clubs, with Arsenal being at the top of that list.
Arsenal boss Unai Emery has his eyes set on a wide player heading into the transfer window, given the lack of natural wingers within the current squad. The Gunners had to rely on the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Mesut Ozil and Alex Iwobi in the wide positions to varying impacts.
While Nicolas Pepe was believed to be their primary target, Arsenal’s budget constraints have meant they have called off the pursuit of the Ivorian and have turned their attention towards Pepe, who could be available for a much affordable price of £30 million.
Manchester United are also in the market for a new winger as they look to boost up their attack after a disappointing 2018-19 campaign. The dearth of a natural right-sided winger has been haunting the Red Devils for a number of years now, with them having to rely on the likes of Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard in this past season.
Borussia Dortmund starlet Jadon Sancho was at the top of their shopping list, but the lack of Champions League football could mean they fail to land him. Swansea City youngster Daniel James is another name on the list and now Fraser too has emerged as a viable target, following a strong campaign with Bournemouth.
Added to the list of the potential suitors for the Scotsman now are Liverpool. The Reds have arguably one of the best first-choice attacking contingents in the Premier League with Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, but there is little in terms of quality backup, apart from Xherdan Shaqiri.
Liverpool are monitoring Ajax winger David Neres as well, but find the prospect of signing a Premier League proven player like Fraser more appealing. However, the report adds that they would be more inclined towards bringing him in on a free transfer when his contract runs out.
Fraser has a new contract offer from Bournemouth but has no intentions of putting pen to the new deal. With Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool all monitoring his situation, a move away in the summer is definitely on the cards. But, it remains to be seen who ends up coming out on top in this battle.