Bournemouth 'prepared to risk losing Ryan Fraser for free amid Arsenal interest'

Bournemouth are reportedly prepared to risk losing Ryan Fraser on a free transfer next season rather than sanction his sale this summer.

The 25-year-old is entering the final year of his contract at the Vitality Stadium and has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal.

The Gunners are thought to see Fraser as a cheaper alternative to first-choice target Wilfried Zaha, who is valued at around £80m by Crystal Palace.

Fraser is also keen to move to a bigger club, but Bournemouth are reluctant to lose a player that scored seven goals and created a further 14 in the Premier League last season.

The Scotland international rejected a new contract from the Cherries last Autumn and the club are unlikely to be able to offer him his desired wages after tying Callum Wilson down to a new £100,000-a-week deal this week.

The Mirror reports that Bournemouth would rather keep Fraser for another year and let him leave for free next summer rather than see him depart during the current transfer window.

Fraser joined Bournemouth when they were in League One and has helped the club climb all the way into the Premier League, where they have stayed for the last four seasons.