Why Bournemouth must cash in on Harry Arter this summer

According to reports, Bournemouth are ready to sell their midfielder Harry Arter this summer.

Arter, 28, has been a fantastic servant for the Cherries, having made over 250 appearances for the club. Since joining Bournemouth from non-league side Woking in June 2010, the midfielder has played a crucial role in helping the club first achieve promotion to the Championship and then to the Premier League.

However, Arter played very little for Eddie Howe’s team this past season. It was the first time that the 28-year-old midfielder has played less than 20 times in a single season since his arrival at the Vitality Stadium, as he struggled with injury problems.

A succession of injuries saw Arter lose his place in the starting XI in January and then fall out of favour with manager Eddie Howe. And when Arter returned to full fitness, he couldn’t win it back.

While the Republic of Ireland international has still two years remaining on his current contract at the Vitality, the Cherries have bolstered their midfield resources with the signing of the highly-rated David Brooks from Sheffield United. With the arrival of Brooks from Sheffield, Arter appears to have slipped further down the pecking order at the Vitality Stadium.

So as things stand, it would be a smart thing for Bournemouth to sell Arter this summer. Back in May, the midfielder hinted his future could lie away from the Vitality and that might become a harsh reality, particularly with Arter being such a vital figure in Bournemouth’s rise in the last few years.

At 28, Arter can still provide few high-quality years to any club, whether it is in the Premier League or in the Championship. He isn’t a perfect or a gifted player but he has a fighting spirit that can only be matched by very few. However, his displays lacked the usual drive and energy in the midfield this past season as he battled with various injuries.

Considering everything, it is time for Howe to cash in on one of his team’s warriors – Harry Arter. West Ham were reportedly interested in Arter last year but Bournemouth never allowed the hard-working midfielder to leave after he had signed a new four-year contract with the club.

The Hammers have now strengthened their midfield with the addition of Jack Wilshere on a free transfer from Arsenal but unfortunately, he remains a risky acquisition due to his injury problems.

Keeping that in mind, West Ham, under new boss Manuel Pellegrini must reignite interest in Arter. Chances are Bournemouth could be willing to sell him for a decent price.