Chelsea lead chase for England midfielder Alex Scott as rivals watch

Chelsea, under Xabi Alonso, have emerged as the front‑runner in the transfer race for 23‑year‑old England midfielder Alex Scott, while Arsenal and Liverpool are also monitoring his situation closely.

Midfield void and Chelsea’s ambition

Alonso’s side are keen to bolster a midfield that was left thin after Enzo Fernández’s move to Manchester City. Scott arrived at Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023 and has become one of the Premier League’s most sought‑after central midfielders over the last three years.

The Guernsey‑born midfielder earned his first senior England call‑up last November and made his debut in the Three Lions’ Nations League win over the Czech Republic, replacing Elliot Anderson in the 70th minute at Prague’s Fortuna Arena.

Bournemouth’s contract stance

Scott’s contract runs to June 2028, and the Cherries have made clear he will not be sold in the January window, despite Chelsea’s reported attempts, including a bid that exceeded £60 million.

Reports differ on the price tag, with one source citing a £60 million bid, another suggesting a valuation above £75 million, and a further estimate that a fee could exceed £80 million.

Thomas Tuchel eyes 52 England players, Manchester United scout watches

Arsenal and Liverpool are also said to be keeping close tabs on Scott, ready to provide strong competition should Chelsea step up its pursuit.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel praised Scott after his performance in a 7‑0 win over Croatia, saying: “First start and what a start. What a performance. He’s just so smooth at the moment on the ball, decision‑making is on the highest level, he plays with so much confidence. He’s so active, so confident and the work‑rate off the ball, he’s the complete package at the moment.”

Manchester United legend Roy Keane added: “He’s done great. He looked really comfortable out there in his first start, he looked like he was an experienced midfielder out there,” Keane said. “He looked comfortable with the players he was surrounded by.”

Arsenal and Aston Villa battle for Real Madrid prodigy Endrick

Real Madrid have also entered the fray, having watched Scott on multiple occasions, including Bournemouth’s Europa League win over Real Sociedad, and may consider a rival move in 2027. AC Milan are reported to view his valuation as well above £75 million.

Our analysis suggests Chelsea remain at the head of the queue, but the growing list of elite suitors means the final decision could hinge on the club’s willingness to meet a fee that may sit between £60 million and £80 million.