Eddie Howe has confirmed that Everton, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur target Ryan Fraser has played his final game for Bournemouth, speaking to Sky Sports.
With the Cherries mired in the relegation zone as ‘Project Re-start’ gets underway this weekend, Bournemouth have found themselves in a very unwelcome situation.
The south coast strugglers will now have to battle against the drop without one of their star players.
Scotland international Fraser is out of contract on July 1 and he has rejected the chance to sign a short-term deal until the end of the season amid claims from talkSPORT that Everton are leading the chase for his signature.
And Howe has confirmed that a diminutive forward signed from Aberdeen seven years ago will never wear the red and black stripes again with the Bournemouth boss instead relying on players fully committed to the cause.
“[Ryan] has now played his last game for the football club. He won’t be involved with us for the last nine games,” Howe says.
“I only want players who are fully focused on the relegation battle we have ahead and I’m looking forward to doing that with my squad.
“Ryan, due to his contract situation, can’t commit to (a short-term extension). We need a nine-game commitment and he can’t give that at this moment in time.”
The Times reported this week that Fraser, who also has interest from West Ham United, Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Watford, wants a £100,000-a-week contract from his next employers.
A cash-strapped Arsenal side have been offered to sign one of the Premier League’s fastest forwards on a free though, according to the Star, a move to Tottenham looks unlikely given the treasure trove of wing wonders at Jose Mourinho’s disposal.
In truth, the 2019/20 campaign has been one to forget for Fraser, with just one goal and four assists to his name. Maybe he won’t be missed all that much by Bournemouth after all.
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