After being linked with Arsenal since the January transfer window, Bournemouth midfielder Ryan Fraser admits that the Gunners interest in signing him this summer could have distracted him in recent weeks.
Bournemouth overwrote their three-game winless run by thumping Brighton and Hove Albion 5-0 with Fraser being on the scoresheet and providing an assist for Callum Wilson.
The only players to have provided more assists this season than Fraser, who has 11 for Bournemouth, are Eden Hazard and Christian Eriksen. The Scot had a minor blimp after rumors of him being pursued by Arsenal, providing only one goal and one assist since January 3.
Speaking to BBC Sport after the emphatic win over Bournemouth, Fraser admitted that his mind may have strayed from his task with Bournemouth this season, “Maybe it hasn’t helped. Subconsciously, you might think about it. I’m just trying to get on with my work.
Every player says that. The best thing I can do is play well. I love it here. It’s not just the football club, but the manager, my team-mates, the town, the beach. I’ve always said that after football I will live down here. It’s special.”