Manchester United have reportedly decided to withdraw their interest in Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser, who is also wanted by Arsenal.
As per a report from The Independent, Manchester United have pulled out of the race to sign Bournemouth’s assist-king Ryan Fraser in the ongoing transfer window, clearing the way for arch-rivals Arsenal to land the Scottish international.
Fraser, who has been with Bournemouth for over six years now, enjoyed one of his best campaigns in 2018-19. The 25-year-old finished the season with 8 goals and 15 assists from 42 matches in all competitions. His tally of 14 Premier League assists was the second best in the competition, only behind Chelsea superstar Eden Hazard.
Fraser’s exploits with Eddie Howe’s side have led to a lot of interest from clubs in the upper echelons. Add to it, the fact that he will be out of contract in 2020 has made him an even more attractive prospect for potential suitors, as he could be available on a bargain price in the current transfer window.
Arsenal have been at the forefront of the interest in Fraser. The Gunners’ manager Unai Emery has identified the wide areas as a key position that needs to be reinforced, having had to make do without any natural wingers in the squad in his debut campaign in England.
Nicolas Pepe, who had a prolific campaign with Ligue 1 side Lille, was Arsenal’s first-choice, but the North London giants have been put off by the Ivorian’s valuation, which has led to them prioritising a deal for Fraser instead.
However, recent reports had claimed that Manchester United had joined Arsenal in the race to sign the 25-year-old Scotsman, along with Liverpool. The Red Devils too are on the lookout for wingers heading into the next season, with the lack of a natural right-sided wide player hampering them for years now.
Swansea City youngster Daniel James was believed to be close to signing for Manchester United, although the recent passing away of the starlet’s father has delayed the move. The transfer is expected to go through, however, which could be a reason why the Red Devils have now decided to withdraw their interest in Fraser, as per the report.
Liverpool have watched the player on a number of occasions this term and could use some quality backup to the first-choice attacking trio of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah. However, the fact that Fraser would have to play second-fiddle to the aforementioned players could prove to be a hindrance.
This leaves Arsenal with a clear shot at landing the former Aberdeen winger. Fraser is expected to cost somewhere around the £30 million mark, which shouldn’t be much problem for the Gunners. With the player himself expressing desire to complete the switch, the chances of the transfer going through in the coming month are quite high.
