Exciting PL winger firmly in Arteta’s sights as Arsenal prepare for striker exit

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is considering a swoop for Ryan Fraser when the Bournemouth winger’s contract runs out at the end of the season, according to reports.

Fraser has been one of the Cherries’ best players in recent seasons, registering 14 Premier League assists last term – the second-best number in the division behind Eden Hazard’s tally of 15.

Arsenal’s interest in the Scotland international peaked after his performances in the last campaign and he admitted that the speculation linking him with North London had affected him.

Fraser said: “Maybe it hasn’t helped. Subconsciously, you might think about it. I’m just trying to get on with my work. Every player says that.”

The winger has only scored one goal and assisted four others in 32 appearances this campaign but according to the Daily Mirror, the Gunners’ interest in him has not waned.

The newspaper says that Arteta could pounce when the 26-year-old, who is refusing to sign a new deal at the Vitality Stadium, becomes a free agent as of June 30.

It is said that with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang‘s future at The Emirates unclear, Arteta is aware that the need to find attacking reinforcements will likely arise.

Aubameyang has just over one year left on his deal but has been linked with a move to Barcelona and Manchester United.

 

 

Another area which Arteta is keen to improve upon is defence and the Spaniard took steps to resolving his issues in that area with the signing of Pablo Mari on loan from Flamengo in January.

William Saliba will arrive from St Etienne at the end of the season and Sao Paulo’s executive manager has revealed that Arteta has also shown interest in Brazil Under-23 defender Walce.

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