Arsenal: At least Ryan Fraser is a proper winger

Ryan Fraser is being linked with a move to the Emirates. While he may not be the flashiest name, at least he is a proper winger to help solve Arsenal’s wide problems.

The summer transfer window is looming. And given recent results, Arsenal fans are desperately turning to the end of the year where hope can again return with new signings and, most importantly, a whole raft of sales.

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The one name that has been most substantially mentioned as a possible target for the Gunners is Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser. The 25-year-old has been excellent for Eddie Howe’s side, notching seven goals and 13 assists, the latter of which is a league-leading tally that is bettered by only two players in all of Europe’s top five leagues, Lionel Messi and Jadon Sancho.

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But because Fraser is not named Fraserinho, many fans have struggled to accept that he could be one of the marquee signings — if the Gunners are to secure the acquisition of Fraser, they will have to see off Chelsea, if recent reports are to be believed. Fraser is not the most glamorous name. He is playing for Bournemouth, not precisely the most glamorous team. But he is useful.

Perhaps most importantly, Fraser is a natural winger. Traditional in every sense of the position, with terrific speed, excellent crossing ability, direct, always looking to either drive in behind with his movement off the ball or through dribbling with it, he is a real throwback type of player, akin to a poor man’s Leroy Sane. And this is the precise type of player that Arsenal desperately need.

Fraser is obviously not the standard of player of an Eden Hazard or Mohamed Salah or Raheem Sterling, some of the best wide attacking players in the Premier League. But he can be productive. Only two players have created more chances in the league this season.

Crucially, though, he would provide balance to the attacking players that are already at the club. Should the likes of Mesut Ozil, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Alex Iwobi remain beyond the summer, having a speedy, complementary option like Fraser to run in behind and create space in central areas would be extremely valuable.

All season, Arsenal have lacked incision and purpose in their attacking play, particularly in the wide areas. Sead Kolasinac has been the only wide threat that has been consistently utilised this season. Him being a left-back is not ideal, clearly. Fraser would undoubtedly provide that, if not the elite quality of a truly world-class attacker.

He is a proper winger. And that is what Arsenal need. Fraser may not be flashy. He may not bring the gravitas that many fans want. But he is what is required. That sounds like a smart signing to me.