Arsenal have been handed a significant transfer boost as Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott reportedly favours a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
According to The Mirror, the 22-year-old has emerged as a genuine target for the Gunners during the current transfer window.
Manchester United’s decision to pull out of the race for Scott has cleared the path for Arsenal, giving Mikel Arteta’s side a cleaner run at the midfielder.
United valued Scott at around £40 million, a figure deemed insufficient given his rapid development and Bournemouth’s firm valuation of more than £70 million.
Arsenal have had a relatively quiet summer window, with Christos Tzolis their only outfield signing so far this transfer period.
The Gunners’ primary midfield target remains Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes, though a suitable agreement with the Magpies for the 28-year-old has not yet been reached.
Should Arsenal fail to land Guimaraes, their attention could shift more decisively toward Scott, who excelled under Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth last season.
Scott was forced into a deeper defensive midfield role during the second half of the 2025/26 campaign following a mid-season injury crisis at the Vitality Stadium.
He responded impressively, winning five duels with almost two tackles per game alongside five recoveries, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders.
The England youth international’s work rate and high pressing made him a consistent performer as the Cherries pushed through the second half of the season under Iraola.
Despite his preference for a move to Arsenal, Scott harbours concerns about his potential playing time under Arteta at the Emirates Stadium.
Unlike Guimaraes, who is considered a complete midfielder and made 15 goal contributions for Newcastle last term, Scott would face stiff competition for his place in Arsenal’s squad.
He would likely need to compete with Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino for the chance to partner Declan Rice in the centre of midfield.
Guimaraes, by contrast, could command a more regular starting role given his proven quality and experience at the highest level of club football.