According to the latest reports from the Daily Record, Newcastle United are going to lock horns with Arsenal for the signature of Bournemouth’s winger Ryan Fraser. Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be in the mix for this Scottish star after his breakthrough season for the Cherries.
Newcastle United might have to step up their pursuit as Arsenal are already weighing up a £20m move for Fraser. The Toon have a plan themselves as they are willing to offer a player plus cash deal for the Bournemouth winger. The player involved is former Bournemouth player Matt Ritchie who has been immense for Benitez in various positions this season.
Why Fraser is in the limelight?
The 25-year-old is having a breakthrough campaign at the Vitality Stadium. The Aberdeen born winger has managed an impressive tally of 7 goals and 11 assists in all competitions this season. Therefore one can make out why some Premier League heavyweights are also in the race to sign him.
Predominantly a left winger, Fraser can play in other roles as well as in the attacking third. His quality on the ball should make him a good fit for Benitez, and maybe the player plus cash deal could be enough to secure the player.
What can he bring to the table?
Fraser has impressive pace and dribbling skills but what makes him stand out is his decision making in the final third. Most wingers have searing speed and good control, but the players who really make an impact are those who can contribute with goals and assists. That is exactly what Fraser has been able to provide. The seven-time Scotland international is in the prime of his career, and he can be an excellent addition to quite a few Premier League clubs.
Chances of Newcastle signing him?
Now we feel that the player is likely to prefer a move to Tottenham or Arsenal. Bournemouth and Newcastle are more or less at the same level, and if he wants to leave the Cherries, then it makes sense for the Scotsman to go for the heavyweight clubs. Therefore Newcastle’s task could be cut out. Both Tottenham and Arsenal can offer him a chance to play in European football as well. After the kind of season which the former Aberdeen player has had, he might look for a big move. However, playing time can become an issue at the top clubs, and if the player doesn’t fancy them, then he can sit tight with Bournemouth.
Bournemouth’s chairman Jeff Mostyn has already given a warning and said, “Ryan Fraser is a Bournemouth player. We just don’t want anybody to leave the football club. Your prized assets are prized assets for a reason and we want to continue the momentum that we have achieved.”
So as of now, we will consider Newcastle as outsiders to sign the winger in the summer. But we wouldn’t completely count them as out as Matt Ritchie plus cash deal could appeal to Eddie Howe.
