Eddie Howe admits Arsenal transfer target Ryan Fraser may not be at Bournemouth next season
Midfielder admits he is flattered by Gunners interest and Cherries boss Howe says he is not certain Fraser will sign new deal on offer with just 12 months left on existing contract
BOURNEMOUTH boss Eddie Howe admits he does not know if Arsenal target Ryan Fraser will be at the club next season.
Gunners boss Unia Emery has targeted the midfielder as one of top transfer options as he plots his summer overhaul at the Emirates.
And Cherries midfielder Fraser admitted this week that he was flattered to be linked with a move to North London.
The 25-year-old only has one more year left on his current contract with Bournemouth and is not close to accepting the new deal the club have offered.
That leaves Bournemouth facing a decision whether to cash in on one of their most influential players this summer or risk losing him on a free transfer in 12 months.
Boss How said: "We have spoken to Ryan and his representatives about his contract. It's one where we will see what happens.
OUTSTANDING TALENT
"There is no doubting Ryan's quality and how highly we think of him. He is an outstanding talent but it is a two-way prospect to sign a contract, so let's wait and see.'
"Ryan has contributed to the team this season but it's not the time to talk about speculation.
"Who knows in the summer? It's that time of year when things change and us ourselves will be looking to sign players."
Emery has been impressed by the impact Fraser has had in the Premier League with the South Coast club over the past couple of seasons.
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In two matches against Arsenal this season it was Fraser who showed up well for the Cherries and caught the eye of the Spaniard.
Emery is aware he will be operating on a limited budget compared to some of his rival clubs in the top six of the Premier League.
That means he will be unable to target the very best international stars, but Fraser falls into the category of one he could well be able to afford.