Bournemouth have rejected a bid of £64million from Chelsea for Alex Scott, talkSPORT understands.
Scott, who is also being targeted by Arsenal and Manchester United, has turned down the offer of a new contract at the Vitality Stadium.
Scott is a wanted man after a breakout season for BournemouthGetty
Bournemouth’s stance remains that they expect him to be their player next season even without signing a new deal, although they are believed to value him at £80m.
The Cherries previously rebuffed an approach from Arsenal in June.
Scott, who joined the Cherries from Bristol City in 2023, has two years to run on his current contract.
The 22-year-old’s stock has considerably risen after he played a key role in helping Bournemouth finish sixth in the Premier League last term, which earned them qualification for the Europa League.
His performances prompted England manager Thomas Tuchel to extend an invitation to the Three Lions’ pre-World Cup training camp in Florida.
Scott isn’t the only Bournemouth star eyed up by the Premier League’s big boys, with winger Eli Junior Kroupi also of interest.
However, similarly to their stance on Scott, the Cherries have informed rivals Kroupi is not for sale either.
Losing either Scott or Kroupi would be a major blow for new manager Marco Rose in his first season at the Vitality Stadium after he replaced Andoni Iraola, who exited at the end of his contract.
Who else is on Arsenal’s radar?
With Bournemouth determined to hold on to Scott, Arsenal may shift their attention back to Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
talkSPORT understands the Gunners are expected to lodge another bid for the Magpies skipper having had a £55m offer rejected in June.
Guimaraes’ future is set to be a hot topic this summerGetty
It is also understood Guimaraes has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal, meaning the two clubs now need to agree on a price for the deal to progress.
Arsenal have already swung big and missed in this transfer window, with Chelsea swooping in to sign Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers for £117m.
Rogers was the Gunners’ top target but they were only prepared to fork out as much as £80m, opening the door for the Blues to complete a deal.
United has already taken steps to improve their midfield, landing Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa after they triggered his £35m release clause.
The Red Devils also signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50m.
United was desperate to revamp their midfield following the departure of Casemiro at the end of last season.
Busy summer at the Bridge
Xabi Alonso has already made big moves in the transfer windowGetty
Meanwhile, at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are showing they mean business as they prepare for a new era under Xabi Alonso.
The Blues, who will be without European football next season, have been active in the summer window following the signings of Rogers and £45m Italian right-back Marco Palestra.
Another new face to arrive in west London this summer is that of Portuguese teenager Geovany Quenda.
The winger’s move from Sporting CP was finalised in March 2025 and is contracted to the club until 2034.
There are likely to be further outgoings as Alonso’s squad shake-up continues.
Alejandro Garnacho could soon be on his way out of the club after just one season with Aston Villa closing in on the winger.
Garnacho has struggled to establish himself at Stamford Bridge and looks set for a premature exitGetty
talkSPORT understands the Europa League holders are set to land the Argentine on an initial loan deal with a conditional obligation to buy.
Garnacho is set to join Marc Cucurella out of the Stamford Bridge exit door after the World Cup winner completed his switch to Real Madrid last month.
Elsewhere, 20-year-old Academy graduate Tyrique George made his loan switch to Everton permanent, having made 37 senior appearances for Chelsea.
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