Cherries Determined to Keep Midfielder Despite Contract Uncertainty
Bournemouth have rejected a £64 million bid from Chelsea for highly-rated midfielder Alex Scott, making it clear they have no intention of selling one of their key players this summer.
The Premier League club reportedly informed Chelsea that any further approaches would not be welcomed, despite uncertainty surrounding Scott’s long-term future.
The 22-year-old has turned down a new contract that Bournemouth have had on the table for at least two months, although he still has two years remaining on his current deal.
Several Top Clubs Show Interest
Chelsea are not the only club monitoring Scott’s situation.
Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have all expressed interest in signing the England Under-21 international during the current transfer window.
Earlier this summer, Arsenal also saw an approach for the midfielder rejected by Bournemouth.
Despite the growing interest, Bournemouth have consistently told both Scott and interested clubs that he is not for sale.
Financial Position Strengthens Bournemouth’s Stance
Bournemouth are under little pressure to cash in on Scott after enjoying a financially successful year.
The club secured qualification for the UEFA Europa League and generated significant transfer income through the sales of Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi and Dango Ouattara.
That financial stability has allowed the Cherries to resist offers for several of their young talents.
The club is also determined to keep highly-rated forward Junior Kroupi, who has attracted interest from Arsenal and Tottenham, while Brazilian youngster Rayan is also expected to remain after joining the club earlier this year.
Scott Continues Pre-Season Preparations
Scott is currently with Bournemouth’s squad at their pre-season training camp in Austria under new manager Marco Rose.
Rayan is expected to join the squad later after representing Brazil at the FIFA World Cup.
Scott earned his first senior England call-up last November and was included in Thomas Tuchel’s extended pre-World Cup training camp in Florida, although he is still waiting to make his senior international debut.
One of England’s Brightest Young Midfielders
Scott joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023 for £25 million after being named the Championship Young Player of the Season.
Since arriving on the south coast, he has made 89 appearances and scored six goals, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising young midfielders.
With demand for elite midfielders at an all-time high, Bournemouth appear determined to build their future around Scott rather than cash in, even as some of England’s biggest clubs continue to monitor his situation.
