Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has hit out at reported Gunners target Ryan Fraser, telling talkSPORT (12 June, 9am) that it would be a ‘disgrace’ if the Scotland winger did not stay with Bournemouth until the end of the season.
With the Cherries stuck in the relegation mire and facing a battle to secure their Premier League status, the last thing they needed was to see a star player escape through the back door with a handful of top-flight fixtures remaining.
Fraser is set to become a free agent on July 1, though it was expected that he would sign a short-term deal until the 2019/20 season comes to an end.
But, according to the Daily Record, the former Aberdeen starlet could turn down such an offer, fearing that a serious injury would scupper his chances of a once-in-a-lifetime move to the likes of Arsenal or Tottenham Hotspur.
So while many Gunners fans may see this as a boost for their transfer plans, Parlour believes Fraser’s attitude and commitment should come under the microscope.
“I think it’s a disgrace. You’re three-quarters of the way through the season, you’re in a relegation battle and the supporters have been fantastic. You want to do it for your teams mates, surely. If (Bournemouth) were mid table and safe, I could understand it but they’re in a reggaeton fight!” Parlour fumes.
“If I was a manager, I’d look at his character. I wouldn’t even think about it (making the same decision as Fraser if I was in that position). I think it’s wrong.”
An affable and honest player, it remains to be seen whether the reports are true.
Suggestions that Fraser could turn his back on the club who gave him a chance in the Premier League certainly feel a little out of character.
And considering that the 26-year-old hasn’t exactly set the world alight this season, you’d think he would be desperate to bring his A-game to the Vitality Stadium before his time on the South Coast comes to an end.
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