Bournemouth chief expects Arsenal target Fraser at the club next season

Bournemouth chief Neill Blake insists Ryan Fraser will not be sold this summer and an offer of a new contract is still on the table.

Fraser has emerged as a top transfer target for Arsenal this summer after his breathtaking performances for Bournemouth last season.

The Scotland international has one year left to run on his current Bournemouth contract and could leave the Cherries for free at the end of next season.

However, Bournemouth remain hopeful that Fraser will pledge his long-term future to the club and sign a contract that has been on the table since September.

“Much has been written and spoken about the future of Ryan Fraser, as his contract with AFC Bournemouth heads into its final 12 months,” he said in a statement on the club’s official website.

“As is the club’s policy, details regarding contract negotiations or transfer activity are kept confidential and do not enter the public domain.

“However, following some recent reports I felt it was imperative to speak publicly and provide balanced clarity on the situation.

“The offer of a new long-term contract has been on the table for Ryan for some time. In September 2018, at the request of Ryan’s representatives, negotiations were paused to allow the player to focus entirely on his football.

“He went on to have an outstanding season, with seven goals and 14 assists helping the club secure a fifth successive season of Premier League football.

“During that time, I have been - and continue to be - in regular dialogue with Ryan’s representative, and have made it clear to both him and the player that our contract offer remains on the table.

“Quite simply, Ryan is a fantastic player and an integral part of our squad. We look forward to welcoming Ryan back to us next month after a well-earned break, upon which he can focus on having another standout season for AFC Bournemouth.”

Despite a reported desire to join one of the Premier League’s top-six clubs, Fraser has even acknowledged he is unlikely to leave Bournemouth this summer.

It would take an offer in excess of £30m to convince Bournemouth to sell Fraser and Arsenal, who appear the sole club in for the winger at the moment, do not have the budget to facilitate a bid of that size.

Only Eden Hazard (15) registered more assists than Fraser (14) in Europe’s top five leagues last season.