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Frank Lampard approved transfer offer for Premier League ace - but Chelsea failed to act
Chelsea chiefs did not act on Frank Lampard's transfer tip in the January transfer window.
Ryan Fraser discusses his future at AFC Bournemouth
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard wanted to sign Bournemouth ace Ryan Fraser in January - but Stamford Bridge bosses failed to act. The Scotland international is on the hunt for a new club ahead of the summer transfer window. He will become a free agent at the end of the month when his contract expires.
Fraser could have been on the move in January, however, after Lampard sought to seal his signature.
According to The Athletic, the Chelsea manager approved an offer but Stamford Bridge decided against submitting a bid.
A possible reason for the club's reluctance to firm up Lampard's interest was Bournemouth's reluctance to sell in the middle of the season.
Eddie Howe's side are battling for Premier League survival and, despite a departure being expected, Fraser is still considered an important player.
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While the 26-year-old has only contributed four assists this term, he has creativity in his locker after laying on 14 goals last season. He also remains the team's most creative player having carved out nearly twice as many chances as any of his team-mates.
Fraser apologised in January for his disappointing form, citing the contract situation for his poor performances.
"I felt bad about it — this last month, I’ve been trying to put it right," he told BBC Radio Solent.
"I think everyone knows by now what’s happened, to be honest. I’m just trying to play my football. Obviously, it affected me the first four months of the season.
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"I wasn’t myself. I didn’t play for the team. I’m honest enough to admit that.
"I looked back at it. I spoke to my family about it and it just looked bad on me. I didn’t help the team. It shouldn’t have taken me that long to realise but I’m my own worst critic and I apologised to the lads."
Despite failing to build on last season, Fraser has become one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League because of his impending status as a free agent.
Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Everton, Newcastle, Tottenham and Watford are all interested.
Bournemouth have not managed to tie Fraser down to a new deal yet and now expect to lose the former Aberdeen player for nothing.
There are also question marks over a short-term extension to see out the remainder of the 2019/20 campaign.
Premier League clubs have until June 23 to sort out the futures of their out-of-contract players, who could decide against continuing because of the potential injury risk.
Discussing the issue last week, Howe said: “We’re in discussions. Once the fixtures came out and the league was confirmed as restarting and we had a date for it, then those discussions began with the chief executive and the players’ representatives."