Why Ryan Fraser would be a fantastic fit at Crystal Palace
According to The Telegraph, Crystal Palace have targeted former Bournemouth star Ryan Fraser ahead of next season to bolster their attack.
Fraser, 26, who came through the youth ranks of Aberdeen, joined the Cherries in January 2013. After his first two seasons with Bournemouth, he was sent on loan to Ipswich Town before returning at the end of the 2015/16 season.
He then established himself as an integral member of the squad. However, after making 208 appearances for the Cherries, he left the club earlier this month when his contract came to an end. Fraser has also been capped 11 times by Scotland and is still in good form. Thus, Crystal Palace should make a move for him at the earliest.
Roy Hodgson’s men struggled in the latter half of the campaign and managed to win just one game since the restart. They failed to finish in the top half of the table and seem to completely out of form. However, they just have less than two months to prepare for next season.
Fraser could be a replacement for Zaha in Palace’s attack
The Londoners managed just 31 goals throughout the campaign, which is the second-lowest in the Premier League. Only Norwich City scored fewer than the Eagles this term. Jordan Ayew managed to score just 9 goals and Wilfried Zaha contributed with 9 goals (4 goals and 5 assists) to the team.
Apart from them, none of the forwards managed to perform well. However, they are at the risk of losing one of their best players in Zaha, who could leave the club. This would leave them with just Andros Townsend in the wide areas.
Zaha’s departure would definitely affect the team as he was their main player in the attack for the last few years. Thus, they need to bring in wingers before the start of the next campaign.
In that regard, Fraser would be a suitable option for the club on a free transfer. The Scottish international was at his best last season, where he finished with 7 goals and 14 assists in the league and also continued with the fine form into this term.
But he was left out of the squad on several occasions. He could be a perfect replacement for Zaha on the left side of the attack. And, if he is able to replicate the same form he showed last season, he would be a valuable addition to the squad.
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Verdict
With limited options in the wide areas and at the risk of losing Zaha, Palace are in dire need of reinforcements to their attacking unit. And Fraser could be their leader if he picks up form. He could also provide them with some much-needed goals. Thus, luring him to Selhurst Park would be a wise decision by the club.
