Could Premier League giants Arsenal afford Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser as well as Brighton defenders Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy?
Arsenal legend Perry Groves believes The Gunners should prioritise deals for Ryan Fraser, Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy this summer, speaking to Jim White on talkSPORT (31 May, 10.30am).
A humiliating 4-1 defeat against Chelsea in the final of the Europa League means Arsenal will miss out on Champions League football for the third season in a row in 2019/20, a bitter blow which will limit Unai Emery’s transfer budget to just £45 million, according to Goal.
As a result, potential deals for the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Harry Maguire and James Maddison will probably have to be shelved – though that is not to say there is not value out their in the market.
Groves believes Bournemouth winger Fraser, whose 14 assists in the Premier League last season was bettered only by Eden Hazard, would be an inspired addition while Brighton defenders Duffy and Dunk would walk into Arsenal’s starting XI.
“You’re looking at players like Ryan Fraser; He can play wide, he’s got good ability,” Groves said when asked who Arsenal should look to sign.
“Dunk and Duffy are better than what Arsenal have, they’ve got heart and character.”
The Sun (19 May, page 63) claims that Fraser is refusing to extend a contract which expires in 2020 amid interest from Arsenal. Though the Scotland international’s £30 million price-tag could prove a little rich, unless Emery can find buyers for the likes of Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
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