Arsenal are in pole position to sign Ryan Fraser this summer.
The Bournemouth winger has just over a year left to run on his contract and talks over an extension have been shelved after the south coast club failed to put together an offer that significantly improved on that which Fraser rejected last year.
With Bournemouth facing the prospect of losing one of the Premier League's most incisive widemen for nothing this summer they are expected to look for a buyer for Fraser, who has provided the joint-most assists in the league this season alongside Chelsea's Eden Hazard.
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Though Arsenal's budget could be severely limited this summer - below £50m if they fail to qualify for the Champions League - Fraser ought to be within their financial means and has experience in the Premier League that makes him an even more tempting addition for Unai Emery.
The Arsenal hierarchy have long viewed a winger as one of their most pressing needs and Fraser could provide pace and incision from the flanks that the likes of Alex Iwobi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan offer all too infrequently.
The Scotland international has scored seven goals this season, only two fewer than the combined return of Mkhitaryan and Iwobi, whilst the duo have provided five assists fewer than Fraser.
However Arsenal are not alone in holding an interest in Fraser. Parties close to Chelsea have also been closely monitoring the 26-year-old's progress though they are certainly not as advanced as they are with the Gunners.
Fraser has made no secret of his belief that he is prepared to move on and there is nothing in a move to one of the Premier League's top six clubs that holds any fear for him.
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"They are a huge club, a massive club," he said of Arsenal's interest. "When you see your name thrown around you always think to yourself that you are a Bournemouth player and you try to do well.
"I'm not going to lie, you do feel good, especially when it’s a massive club."
Though Fraser remains a key part of manager Eddie Howe's plans it remains unlikely that he will be a Bournemouth player next season. The Cherries have offered him no indication that they plan to revive contract talks which hit an impasse last year.
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