Why Chelsea should make a move for Ryan Fraser in January

According to a report from the Express, Chelsea could make a move for Bournemouth star Ryan Fraser in January if their appeal against transfer ban is successful.

The FIFA banned Chelsea from signing players for two windows due to breaches in the transfer of youth players. But the Blues have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to have the ban reduced to the one window they have already served. And the club seems pretty confident that they’ll win the appeal and be able to sign players in January.

One of the players could be Ryan Fraser, who has entered the final year of his contract at Bournemouth.

The Scotsman enjoyed an impressive 2018/19 season, as he registered a career-high seven goals and 14 assists in the league. That saw him attract a lot of interest from top-flight clubs in the summer but a move didn’t materialise.

As things stand, the Cherries have offered the 25-year-old a new deal but he is reluctant to commit his future at the club. Thus, Fraser could be potentially available on a cut-price deal in January.

With that in mind, Chelsea should be all over the nippy attacker in January if the transfer ban is lifted before that.

Frank Lampard’s start to life as Chelsea manager hasn’t been great, with just one win in four games. The Blues were boosted following the sale of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid but they couldn’t spend in the transfer market due to the transfer embargo.

Hazard was Chelsea’s best player for the last few seasons and his void has royally been felt in the opening weeks of the new season. Lampard has some really promising young talents in his squad but they’ll need time and experience to reach the Belgian’s level. While Ryan Fraser may not be a like-for-like replacement for Hazard, he could help Chelsea in a number of ways.

Fraser, who is predominantly a left-winger, can also play in a variety of positions across the midfield and attack. The 25-year-old is known for his energy, pace, creativity and work ethic.

He can link up play well on the flanks. Often wingers are guilty of not being productive enough in the final third, but the diminutive Scotsman continued to provide assists regularly and was a goal threat for Bournemouth last season. And with better players around him, those numbers would only increase.

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Willian and Pedro are both in the final years of their Chelsea deals and Fraser is a younger and more energetic option, who could be ideal for the Blues.

He could compete for a spot on the flank with Callum Hudson-Odoi, who is near to a return from injury, and January acquisition from Borussia Dortmund, Christian Pulisic.

Verdict

With Fraser having entered the final year of his contract, the winger could be available for cheap in the next transfer window and Chelsea must prioritise signing him. In terms of quality as well, the Scotland international has the potential to be a smart acquisition for Lampard.