With Ryan Fraser yet to sign a new contract with AFC Bournemouth, a selection of Aston Villa fans have been discussing whether or not their side should look to sign the Scotland international.
Fraser joined Bournemouth as an 18-year-old from boyhood side Aberdeen in 2013 and later signed a new, long-term contract with the Cherries (BBC) that would keep the winger on the south coast until at least the summer of 2020.
He is yet to agree on another extension, though, and will be able to move on from the Vitality Stadium free of charge next June, unless he pens new terms in the coming months.
Bournemouth were said to have prepared an offer for the 25-year-old in September (90min) that would have seen the forward earn £100,000-a-week, after previously putting talks on hold at Fraser’s request when no progress was made on the offer tabled in 2018.
Fraser’s situation at the Vitality Stadium was said to have sparked interest from Arsenal this summer (Independent), although the Gunners eventually opted against signing the 11-cap Scotland international who scored eight goals and assisted 15 across all competitions last season (TransferMarkt).
The 25-year-old has so far failed to carry the same influence on Eddie Howe’s Cherries this season with just one goal and one assist in ten appearances, while starting six of his outings across all competitions thus far.
And while there are no transfer reports currently linking Villa with a move for Fraser, some Villa fans are in no doubt that Fraser is the kind of player their side should be targeting, as his work rate is ‘incredible’ and he is a Premier League proven option that would ‘easily’ work well with Jack Grealish.
His work rate is incredible. Big fan.
— Dani ??? (@beds_villafan) October 23, 2019
He would suit what villa are building right now
— David o mahony (@Davidomahony18) October 23, 2019
Jack and he could play together easily just means our back up would be ElGhazi Trez etc
— Gaz Saunders (@saunders_gaz) October 23, 2019
Thats the type of player that we need to start looking at proven prem quality. We are building something special in my eyes at Villa park. We need another quality striker to help big Wes out. We have a nice team with a nice dressing room atmosphere that’s half the battle.
— Andy Taylor (@AndyTails) October 23, 2019
I’d have him tomorrow
— Regan’ (@AvfcRegan) October 23, 2019
While there are some Villa supporters who would welcome Fraser in a heartbeat, a few are pessimistic in their chances of striking a deal for the Scotland winger.
One has noted that they expect the 5 ft 3 wide man to pen a new contract at the Vitality Stadium before his current terms reach their natural end, while another has suggested Bournemouth would demand a ludicrous fee for a deal to be made in January.
The Cherries sold Tyrone Mings to Villa this summer for £20million (BBC), and were said to have placed a £30m price tag on Fraser amid Arsenal’s alleged interest (Independent).
Bournemouth would be reticent to accept a low figure for Fraser in any deal, as they would owe Aberdeen 20 percent of any funds made after the Scottish side insisted upon a sell-on fee in the deal which saw the winger move to England.
Top of my list for a winger, mates with McGinn too. But likeky to sign a new contract imo.
— Boycey (@Boycey1259) October 23, 2019
We would get our pants pulled down regarding the fee, they milked the Mings deal as much as they could. They even got £250k for him making an England appearance, they ain’t stupid are they!
— Ninerinho Niner (@Mike_Niner) October 23, 2019
Another concern raised by a few Villa fans has been whether or not Fraser would actually combine well with Grealish, as the Cherries man has featured predominantly on the left-hand side this season (TransferMarkt) while the Villans captain has dabbled between wide-left and central attacking midfield duties.
If Fraser were to hit the market, one supporter has also shared their expectations of one of the Premier League’s top-six clubs testing their luck, which would raise serious opposition to Villa’s advances.
Very good player but not sure both he and Grealish would play well together? Neither would wanna play 2nd fiddle either so it’s a no from me.
— Luke Ramplin (@lukeavfc) October 23, 2019
Would be an unbelievable signing but can’t see it happening. I’d be surprised if a Top 6 side don’t come in for him.
— Nally (@nallyboy90) October 23, 2019