90min

Ryan Fraser Tipped for Surprise Move to Champions League Chasing Galatasaray

By Nischal Schwager-Patel

AFC Bournemouth's Ryan Fraser.
AFC Bournemouth's Ryan Fraser. / Harriet Lander/Copa/Getty Images
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Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser has been linked with a shock summer move to Turkish giants Galatasaray, with the lure of playing Champions League football potentially a deciding factor in his decision.

The 26-year-old has been a key player for Bournemouth since arriving in 2013, and he's wanted by a myriad of top clubs - Arsenal and Tottenham included - as he nears the end of his contract on the south coast.

Ryan Fraser in action against Liverpool.
Ryan Fraser in action against Liverpool. / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

According to the Daily Record, Galatasaray are keen on signing Fraser to replace on-loan Monaco winger Henry Onyekuru, formerly of Everton.

While it would be a huge change moving from England to Turkey, Fraser is said to be interested in the prospect of playing Champions League football. Tottenham and Arsenal still have an outside chance of achieving that, though both are currently off the required pace in the Premier League.

Turkish outlet Fanatik note, however, that failure to finish in the Süper Lig top two - thus failing to qualify for the CL - will see Fraser turn down the opportunity to hold talks.

Galatasaray celebrate scoring in the Intercontinental derby against Fenerbahçe.
Galatasaray celebrate scoring in the Intercontinental derby against Fenerbahçe. / OZAN KOSE/Getty Images

Currently, Galatasaray sit third, three points behind leaders Trabzonspor. The defending Turkish champions are aiming for their record 23rd league title, reclaiming their usual place in the Champions League group stages.

However, as previously mentioned, they face competition in their bid to sign Fraser. Arsenal and Tottenham lead the Premier League interest, while Crystal Palace and West Ham are also known admirers of the diminutive winger.

Ryan Fraser in action against Chelsea.
Ryan Fraser in action against Chelsea. / ADRIAN DENNIS/Getty Images

Fraser's career to date has seen him play only for Bournemouth and hometown club Aberdeen. His time with the Cherries has been eventful to say the least; he played a crucial role in helping lift the club out of League One, and has been one of their more consistent performers at Premier League level.

The 26-year-old has made over 200 appearances for Bournemouth, featuring in all but one of their league games this season. But Eddie Howe’s side sit 18th in the table, inside the relegation zone on goal difference, and know they must improve defensively to have any chance of staying up.

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