What have the experts said about reported Arsenal target Ryan Fraser?

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According to The Mirror, Ryan Fraser is a summer target for Arsenal having impressed the Gunners with his stellar performances for Bournemouth this season.

The 25-year-old, affectionately nicknamed ‘Wee-man’ by his Cherries teammates, has been a revelation this campaign as he makes the left-flank his own at the Vitality Stadium.

Having struggled to find a consistent end product in previous seasons, the lightning-quick winger has certainly added that to his game in abundance this term, with his contributions ensuring he finally gets the headlines he deserves for his exponential improvement in recent years.

Fraser himself has revealed that he is flattered by the reports linking him with a switch to the Emirates Stadium, an admission that has further intensified speculation regarding his future.

With news of Arsenal’s interest in Fraser in mind, Football FanCast have rounded up a handful of expert opinions on Fraser and what he could bring to north London next season.

Eddie Howe, Bournemouth boss

The Cherries honcho had this to say after the Scotsman netted twice and assisted another in September’s victory over Leicester:

“He can go wherever he wants to go, with his age, attitude, he has a really bright future. The key thing for him is believing how good he is and he’s reinforcing that himself with his goal and performance.”

Howe was rightfully drooling over the diminutive wide-man and tipped him for big things after Bournemouth’s thrilling 4-2 victory over the Foxes.

The former Aberdeen man’s pace terrified the Leicester defence all afternoon and he got what he deserved from a tireless performance by scooping the match ball.

Willie Miller, Aberdeen legend

In light of reports linking Fraser to the Gunners, Dons legend Willie Miller expressed his admiration for a player whom he knew as a youngster in northeast Scotland:

“He is already miles beyond anything I ever earned – even at Bournemouth, let alone Arsenal. But by all accounts, he is still a very down to earth young man. An unassuming, quiet lad who just wants to play football. So I think he could handle a move like that. But obviously it is a big step, it is a big step for anyone.”

Miller spent 17 years at Aberdeen between 1973 and 1990 and is very connected at the club to this day – Fraser stands out in the former defender’s mind, though, as a player he thinks will go on to achieve great things.

The speedster might be short in stature, but Miller thinks that Fraser could cope with the pressures of moving to one of the biggest clubs in England after helping another progress from League One to the top-flight.

Fraser would certainly be in esteemed company at Arsenal and have to work his wee socks off for an extended run in the first-team but he’s got Miller’s backing.

Charlie Nicholas, Sky Sports pundit

Charlie Nicholas waxed lyrical about his compatriot back in October:

“What I like is that he is a little pocket dynamo. He is quite an old-fashioned type of player – what we used to call a tanner ba’ – from the days when Scottish players were very popular. He has a little bit of that. He has obviously put a lot of muscle on and built himself up to be able to take the knocks and kicks that come his way.”

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Indeed, Fraser doesn’t go down as easy as you might think – his low centre of gravity means he rides challenges with ease and this is why a number of defenders have taken to hacking the 7-cap ace down instead.

Unlike some of his counterparts in the Premier League, you will never see the midfielder throw a strop when he’s brought down unfairly – he knows that it’s part and parcel of being one of the most in-form wingers in the league.

Leeds will be praying Jack Clarke doesn’t follow in Lewis Cook’s footsteps

Leeds United fans must be in dreamland at this moment in time as their side continue to march towards the Premier League, with Sheffield United’s slip-ups helping the cause. 

The Whites would love nothing more than to be able to bring in a number of big-name players in the summer transfer window with Premier League football already in the bag.

However, it looks as if they could lose two of their current stars in the summer, as according to Football Insider, Bournemouth are planning a £25 million double swoop for Jack Clarke and Kalvin Phillips.

Phillips has been simply sensational this season and deserves to make the step up to the Premier League, so the Whites may have to wave goodbye to him if they fail to secure promotion.

Jack Clarke’s future is more worrying for Leeds fans as he has the potential to become a future star having shone throughout the current campaign at Elland Road. He’s produced an impressive two goals and two assists this season, which has helped the Whites secure a number of valuable points.

Of course, fans will be praying he doesn’t take inspiration from former Leeds man Lewis Cook, who left Elland Road to join Bournemouth back in 2016 for £6.3 million (as per Transfermarkt). Cook was in a very similar position to Clarke when he left so it’s important that Leeds tie him down to a new deal before the Premier League snaps him up.

Indeed, losing a player like Clarke would be gutting for everyone involved with the club as he’s made fans smile this season and it’s safe to say they wouldn’t be in the position they currently find themselves in without his efforts.

Leeds United fans, surely seeing Clarke leave this summer would be devastating? Join the discussion by commenting down below!

Leeds United: Mateusz Bogusz can follow in Jack Clarke’s footsteps

There’s nothing better than seeing a youngster from the academy break through into the first team. Indeed, the success of Jack Clarke shows Mateusz Bogusz can be the next revelation to get Elland Road on its feet.

The 17-year-old signed for Leeds from Ruch Chorzow is the third division in Poland. Never heard of them? No, us neither, but for those who know about Leeds U23s, he’s their most promising talent since Jack Clarke, and he hasn’t done too badly, has he?

The central midfielder has the play-making qualities to excite the Leeds faithful, that’s for sure. His five goals and one assist between the start of the season and January was enough to make the Whites bring his over to Yorkshire.

His move is well-timed with Marcelo Bielsa surely pleased with how Jack Clarke made the transition between U23s and the first team. It’ll give the manager confidence that Bogusz can do the same, so it’s time he’s given his opportunity.

His playing style suits the Leeds boss down to the ground. He’s a box-to-box midfielder with that edge of technical brilliance required to play in the intricate system the club now insist on playing. That’ll be music to Bielsa’s ears.

Clarke’s success in the first team has proven that faith in the club’s youth system can pay off. Bogusz can take advantage of his break through and become the next star to emerge from the depths of the U23s.

Leeds fans, how do you see Mateusz Bogusz fitting into your team when he gets the chance? Join the discussion by commenting below.

They’re deluded: Manchester City fans ridicule Liverpool fans’ call to arms

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Manchester City fans have taken to Twitter to ridicule Liverpool fans, after a short rallying cry emerged on the forum ‘Red and White Kop’, encouraging the Reds fanbase to get themselves down to City’s game against Leicester and ‘show how much they want it’.

The post is practically a call for all Liverpool fans to spend their bank holiday Monday travelling to the streets surrounding the Etihad Stadium, where Leicester will play City, and cause a stir in the hope that it will distract their title rivals from getting a result.

Somewhat of a rivalry has emerged between Jurgen Klopp’s side and Pep Guardiola’s Citizens as they go head to head in one of, if not the most exciting title races in Premier League history.

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With just two games to go, Liverpool sit just a point behind City, who have to beat Leicester and Brighton to successfully defend their crown and record back-to-back titles.

In Liverpool’s case, they must beat Newcastle and Wolves, and hope that City drop points along the way to be in with a shot at winning their first ever Premier League title.

As you may know, the title race has done some weird things to the Liverpool fans, and the City supporters on Twitter haven’t held back in ridiculing them for this one…

Ademola Lookman would be a fantastic signing for Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace now have their Premier League safety secure yet instead of putting the flip-flops on, they’re striving for a top ten finish. 

Albeit it is very unlikely, fans must be loving the effort and work-rate Roy Hodgson’s team continue to put in to each and every game. Now it’s just about building up the quality. Easy, right?

The team really look like one this season and with the right improvements over the summer, Selhurst Park could be celebrating a lot more than Premier League survival. Still, the Eagles’ biggest problem this summer will be who they manage to keep beyond this season.

With rumours again circulating about Wilfried Zaha leaving in the summer, it is about time Crystal Palace at least got prepared for that possibility, namely by acquiring Everton’s Ademola Lookman.

Lookman, (who is valued at £18 million on Transfermarkt) is undoubtedly a very talented winger that would make a huge difference to their team if given the chance. Despite his undeniable potential, Everton haven’t used him anywhere near to his full capabilities – shame on them – whereas Crystal Palace could.

The 21-year-old is without a Premier League goal in 18 attempts this season but if fans quickly cast their minds back to his brief spell in the Bundesliga, his true potential was unlocked very quickly. With Palace linked with a move for the former Charlton youngster in the Daily Mail earlier this week, it seems like a match made in heaven.

Like a lot of young players, particularly wingers, Ademola Lookman is a confidence player but with the right players around him, he could thrive alongside the likes of Zaha and Andros Townsend.

Not only would he just be back-up, Lookman is more than good enough to get himself straight into the starting line-up and make a real difference, showing Everton what can happen when fully entrusted. If he does, it could be good news for both club and country.

Do you agree Ademola Lookman would make a good signing? If not, why not? Join the discussion and let us know!

Nonsense: Leicester fans are baffled by comments on Vardy

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Back in 2016, Jamie Vardy turned down a move to Arsenal after the Gunners had triggered a buy out clause in his contract.

Having just won the title, the striker saw no reason to move on, and he’s shown no signs of regretting that decision three years later.

However, one person who does think it was a mistake is The Sun’s Shaun Custis, who claimed Vardy had made an error in not moving to the Emirates. This was in comments made on talkSPORT last Sunday after the Foxes had seen off Arsenal 3-0.

And reacting on Twitter to an article from the Leicester Mercury who relaid the quotes, Leicester fans appeared to be extremely puzzled by the remarks.

One fan sarcastically betted that Vardy was devastated not to have made the move. Meanwhile, another supporter made reference to how badly transfers have gone for Riyad Mahrez and Danny Drinkwater.

A further member of the King Power faithful simply called the comments nonsense.

At the age of 32, Vardy has shown no signs of aging this season, netting 18 goals. He’s now the leading scoring Englishman in the Premier League this term.

Here’s what Foxes fans have had to say.

Pundit View: Lawrenson predicts where Newcastle would finish if Benitez had £100m to spend

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BBC Football pundit Mark Lawrenson has delivered his last set of Premier League score predictions for the season ahead of the final day on Sunday, and he has made an interesting claim about Newcastle United.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Magpies travel to already-relegated Fulham this weekend in what is a largely meaningless match for both sides, with only the visitors able to finish higher – by a single place – in the top-flight standings.

It is no surprise then that Lawrenson was keen to focus on what the uncertain future of Toon manager Rafa Benitez instead, talking about what the future holds for the Spaniard under owner Mike Ashley.

The former Liverpool boss’ contract runs out this summer, as of yet there has been no suggestion as to whether he is going to stay or not – the fans have certainly made it clear what they want.

Lawrenson certainly seems to sympathise with Ashley when it comes to investing his own money though, telling BBC Football:

“The big questions, as ever, for the Magpies are will manager Rafa Benitez stay, and will he get the money that he wants to spend?

“I think the answers are ‘yes’ and ‘no’… but he will get some of it, and enough to make some more improvements to his squad.

“We already know Magpies owner Mike Ashley is never going to splash the cash, because he could give Benitez £100m and he is realistically only going to finish seventh, at best.”

Fair comments?

They probably are, yes.

Even if Benitez was given a war-chest to spend by the controversial business tycoon, he would undeniably find it difficult to finish any higher than seventh.

The likes of Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United have been so inconsistent this season, yet seventh-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers are still nine points adrift of the latter.

It will therefore be difficult for Newcastle to make a dent in the top six, but Lawrenson has also missed the point slightly.

What’s the point for the Tyneside outfit and their supporters if they can’t show the ambition to go and try and do exactly that?

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Otherwise they will just keep petering along and finishing in the bottom half of the Premier League year after year, with no hope of doing anything more.

Showing that willingness to at least want to push on is important, and in Benitez the Magpies already have the man capable of taking them a lot closer to where they dream of being.

Pundit View: Dean Ashton hints West Brom can’t afford to play things safe

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Speaking to EFL on Quest (15 May, 10.30pm), Dean Ashton has had his say on a report on The Telegraph website claiming Chris Hughton is one of West Brom’s next managerial targets.

What’s the word?

After Albion’s failed promotion attempt, crashing out in the play-offs on penalties, the club have looked towards Hughton to take over the reins, per The Telegraph.

Jimmy Shan was initially brought in until the end of the season but it appears as though he won’t be given a further opportunity.

The Baggies fell short despite arguably being the better team over both legs against Aston Villa, but that doesn’t seem to have done enough for their former academy coach to be given another go.

With Hughton being lined up, Ashton has claimed that he’d be a safe appointment, hinting the Baggies should look for someone in the mould of those who have taken their clubs into the Premier League and play-off final. He told EFL on Quest:

“He would be very much a safe pair of hands. The only thing I would say is, if you look at Daniel Farke, Chris Wilder, Frank Lampard and Dean Smith, they’re not necessarily a safe pair of hands these days but it’s certainly what clubs need to be successful.”

Hughton should be an exception

There is no denying the jobs the likes of Frank Lampard and Dean Smith have done this term so Ashton certainly has a case for suggesting West Brom need to take a greater risk.

However, Hughton should be an exception to this.

The manager has achieved two promotions with Newcastle and Brighton respectively and could be the ideal individual to take the club forward.

Albion need stability and a long-term vision but as far as short-term success goes, the 60-year-old would surely be their best bet.

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He turned Brighton into a handy side defensively and that should encourage West Brom supporters massively. The main issue this season hasn’t been in front of goal, instead, it’s been in defence.

As a result, Albion can still be successful without taking a risk this summer.

Potential Consequences: Mesut Ozil staying at Arsenal

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As reported by Goal, Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil has revealed that he intends to stay put at the Emirates this summer despite enduring a difficult campaign under boss Unai Emery.

At times, the German has been left on the bench, or even excluded from the matchday squad entirely for ‘tactical reasons’, which is strange seeing as he is one of the Gunners’ better players.

To make that situation worse, the 30-year-old is the club’s current highest earner on £350,000-a-week; the largest salary in Arsenal’s history.

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Ozil started just 20 of Arsenal’s 38 Premier League games, and managed to muster up a measly five goals and two assists – Tottenham’s second choice right-back Kyle Walker-Peters set up more goals in just one game.

So, what are the potential consequences of Ozil staying in north London? Football FanCast takes a look…

Resources wasted

Arsenal are already struggling to muster up funds for this summer’s window, and will have a measly £40m to spend if they don’t win the Europa League final.

Ozil will cost the club a whopping £13,650,000 if they keep him on for the entirety of the 2019/20 campaign, money that could be added to this summer’s budget and be used to lure top-class players to the club on decent salaries; that would be better than giving it to Ozil, a man not even guaranteed a first-team place, right?

Emery loses power battle

Much has been made of Emery and Ozil’s relationship this season.

The Sun have reported that the Spaniard wants Ozil gone, although the German is very happy in London on such a comfortable salary.

Ozil was also seen throwing his coat towards Emery from the bench in Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Everton; if the former PSG man keeps Ozil on, then he will be undermining himself and not asserting his authority.

His value could drop even more

Arsenal paid £42.4m for the former Real Madrid man when they signed him back in 2013, but they wouldn’t get anything near that for him right now.

His value has plummeted due to, as aforesaid, his lack of game time and poor stats from this term.

If Arsenal keep him on and Emery continues to leave him out, and his form suffers as a consequence, then Arsenal will struggle to sell their No.10 for more than the already reduced fee they could get for him this summer.

Transfer Focus: Leeds must consider their options if Liverpool move for Leif Davis

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According to reports in The Sun, Liverpool have been looking at Leeds United’s left-back Leif Davis as a potential understudy to Andy Robertson.

The 19-year-old played only 91 minutes in the league for the Whites last season, but that has been enough to put the Champions League finalists on alert.

The paper have placed a £4 million price tag on the youngster’s head, and if a bid of that amount comes in Leeds should consider their options.

A good fee

£4 million is an excellent fee for a teenager who has made just five appearances for the club. It could go a long way towards financing future transfers for the Whites, or more importantly, it could go towards paying Marcelo Bielsa’s wages.

There have been questions asked as to whether or not the Yorkshire club can afford to keep hold of their manager next season, but if they can use the funds from the sale of Davis to pay for their boss’ contract, then it’s a no brainer.

Davis is probably the fourth-choice left-back at Elland Road behind Ezgjan Alioski, Barry Douglas and Stuart Dallas, so he wouldn’t be missed much if he went to Anfield.

Think about the now

The teenager may have all the potential in the world, but if Leeds aren’t promoted in the next couple of years, he would be on his way anyway.

The Whites have to prioritise getting to the Premier League as soon as possible, and negotiations with Liverpool for the left-back could go a long way towards helping that.

Not only could the fee help the Whites in the future, but they could also use the Merseyside club’s interest in their player to potentially leverage a deal for one of their young players.

The likes of Ryan Kent, Rhian Brewster and Harry Wilson are certainly candidates to go and play in the second division next season, and there’s no reason for Leeds to not ask for any of those players on loan if Jurgen Klopp makes a move for Davis.

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