Cardiff City have signed central midfielder Harry Arter from Bournemouth on a season-long loan. The deal was completed late on deadline day in a transfer that made sense for both clubs. Watford were also interested in a loan deal for the midfielder. Arter preferred a move to Cardiff, however. Neil Warnock, manager of newly promoted Cardiff City, stressed the need for reinforcement, admitting his squad was ‘thin’. Cardiff have primarily looked to the Championship for recruitments thus far, bringing in the likes of Josh Murphy and Bobby Reid. Harry Arter will, therefore, provide some valuable Premier League experience in what will be a tough season for The Bluebirds.
Harry Arter Joins Cardiff on Loan
Game Time Needed
Arter’s move to Cardiff was largely manufactured by the midfielder’s desire for regular game time. The 2016/17 season saw Arter feature in 35 of Bournemouth’s Premier League fixtures. This was significantly reduced last season, where Arter played only 14 times in all competitions. Bournemouth’s record signing of £25 million Jefferson Lerma had moved Arter further down the pecking order. With limited game time on offer, Arter’s move to Cardiff was not a difficult decision.
Central Midfielder a Priority For Cardiff
Harry Arter joins Victor Camarasa, another central midfielder, that arrived at Cardiff on deadline day. Neil Warnock had identified central midfield as the key area needing investment. The pair join the likes of Aron Gunnarsson, Joe Ralls and Callum Patterson, who were instrumental in Cardiff’s promotion to the Premier League. Warnock will surely be delighted, with the additions adding depth and much-needed quality to the midfield.
Quality of Arter
Arter initially joined Bournemouth from Woking for £4000, the Irishman has since made 143 appearances for The Cherries, including 65 in the Premier League. Arter has proven his quality in the PremieLeagueue, achieving a pass accuracy of 88% and 87% respectively in his last two seasons. The midfielder has shown the composure and passing ability needed to fit in Eddie Howe’s ball-playing Bournemouth. Arter’s ability and three years of Premier League experience will be welcomed greatly by the fans.
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