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Ryan Fraser Hints at Bournemouth Stay amid Arsenal Transfer Rumours

Tom Sunderland@@TomSunderland_Featured ColumnistJune 13, 2019

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 13: Ryan Fraser of AFC Bournemouth celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and AFC Bournemouth at American Express Community Stadium on April 13, 2019 in Brighton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images

Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser has suggested he'll remain at the Vitality Stadium for at least one more year despite rumours he could leave for Arsenal this summer.

The Gunners are reportedly on the lookout for a new winger and have been frequently associated with Fraser in recent months. However, speculation has lessened of late, and Fraser told reporters it was more likely he'll remain on the south coast.

He said: "The likelihood is I will be at Bournemouth for another year. And what will happen, will happen. That is all I can really say about it. No one has really spoken to me about it."

The 25-year-old has one year left on his contract with the Cherries and could be susceptible to leave on a free transfer next summer if the club doesn't feel confident about agreeing an extension.

Journalist James Benge touched on the most recent gossip, but said that while the transfer is realistic, it won't be concluded in a hurry:

James Benge @jamesbenge

Latest on interest in Ryan Fraser, now in video form. Would not expect this to be a deal that is done very soon, particularly as Arsenal's negotiating position improves the longer this drags into the window. https://t.co/hLo4sKXVMs

He reiterated the Gunners are at least monitoring the Scot:

James Benge @jamesbenge

@serenapower26 Fraser interest is completely real. Just because Arsenal aren’t getting it done doesn’t mean it’s not serious.

Fraser was one of Bournemouth's best performers this past season, scoring seven goals and recording 14 assists as the Cherries ran to a 14th-place Premier League finish. 

He played in all 38 of his side's league games last term and started in all but three of those. Nathan Ake (3,412) finished 2018-19 as the only Bournemouth player to rack up more Premier League minutes than Fraser (3,173).

Fraser's performances were enough to earn him end-of-season recognition from the Bournemouth fanbase and his team-mates:

AFC Bournemouth @afcbournemouth

✨✨ RYAN FRASER ✨✨ Apps: 42 Goals: 8 Assists: 15 What a season from our Supporters' and Players' Player of the Season, @RyanFraser94! 🏆🏆 #afcb 🍒 https://t.co/uiWQ6uTj5e

He's capable on either flank but traditionally prefers the left side, where Arsenal will be in need of reinforcements after Danny Welbeck leaves the club this summer.

Gunners manager Unai Emery failed to bring in any new wide players during his first summer transfer window at the Emirates Stadium and instead concentrated more on defence and his midfield.

Six years have passed since Fraser joined Bournemouth from Aberdeen, and it appears as though he'll serve at least a seventh campaign in Cherries colours.