Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter is reportedly attracting interest from Nottingham Forest.
The Reds are said to be keen to sign the Ireland international on a permanent deal as Sabri Lamouchi looks to add some steel to his midfield following a poor start to the season.
The Cherries legend has played under some of best-known managers in the game. Here’s what they’ve had to say about the combative middleman.
Eddie Howe
Arter played a key role as Bournemouth stormed up through the leagues before eventually reaching the Premier League.
Although he has spent the last two seasons out on loan at Cardiff and Fulham respectively, he will always remain a firm favourite among Cherries fans.
Speaking prior to Arter’s loan move to Fulham, where he played under brother-in-law Scott Parker, then Bouremouth boss Eddie Howe outlined the contribution he had made to the Dorest club.
“I don’t think people should ever lose sight of players who give so much to a football club. Harry is certainly in that category for us,” said Howe.
“He will go down as one of the best centre midfielders ever to play for the club in my opinion.
“I think it’s too early to say he’s played his last game. There could be more twists and turns in Harry’s Bournemouth career – let’s wait and see.
“They [Fulham] will have a player who is very motivated to do well. I think we all know my thoughts on Harry and my feelings for him as a player. I hope he does very well this season.”
Arter has played again for Bournemouth, starting Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Crystal Palace.
Will that prove to be his last game for the Cherries?
Neil Warnock
Arter spent the 2018/19 season at Cardiff City, playing under Neil Warnock, who is also a big fan of the player.
“He’s a gem of a lad for a manager to have,” said the former Notts County boss.
“He’s just so enthusiastic. Every day in training I have to calm him down.
“In fairness to Eddie [Howe] he did tell me his biggest problem is getting booked - and he’s had three bookings in three games!
“And that’s because that is how he plays, and he trains the same.”
Martin O’Neill
Arter has 17 caps for Ireland, with many of them coming under Forest legends Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane.
Arter and Keane were reportedly involved in a training ground bust-up in 2018, with the midfield briefly making himself unavailable for his country.
But he soon returned to the international fold and held clear-the-air talks with Keane.
"The two of them have been talking,” said O’Neill at the time. “I probably believe it should make Harry stronger from it all.
"I think if there is criticism is coming your way, take it in some sort of spirit and tend to prove someone wrong if the criticism is levelled at you. If someone is praising you, try to prove them right.
"In this case, Harry wants to do that. I think he wants to do that, not just for Ireland, but I think he wants to prove Bournemouth were wrong to let him leave there at this minute, or certainly let him go out on loan.
"He has a bit to prove which is great. I think players should always have something to prove as should we as managers as well.”
