Ryan Fraser admits that Arsenal's interest in signing him this summer could have distracted him from his work at Bournemouth in recent weeks.
As football.london first reported last month, the Gunners have the Scotland international on their list of summer transfer targets after an impressive run of form this season.
The only players to have provided more assists this season than Fraser, who has 11 for Bournemouth, are Eden Hazard and Christian Eriksen.
What Eddie Howe has said about Ryan Fraser's future at Bournemouth amid links to Arsenal
However prior to a 5-0 win at Brighton and Hove Albion Fraser had endured a minor slump in form, providing only one goal and one assist since January 3.
That blip may not have dissuaded Arsenal but Fraser himself admits that his mind may have strayed from his task with Bournemouth this season.
"Maybe it hasn't helped," Fraser told the BBC prior to the victory at Brighton. "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."
Fraser, who it is understood is not planning on holding further talks with Bournemouth this season with his contract due to expire in just over 12 months, has made no secret of his reaction to Arsenal's interest.
The 25-year-old believes he could make a major impact on Unai Emery's side if he were to make the move and it appears that Bournemouth now face a tough choice between cashing in on Fraser now or losing him for free next season.
However Fraser did not stint in pointing out how grateful he is for the chance Bournemouth and Eddie Howe first gave him when they signed him from Aberdeen five years ago.
"I love it here," he said. "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."
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