Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott has emerged as one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League transfer window this summer.
According to Sky Sports, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea are the frontrunners in the race to secure the 22-year-old’s signature.
Scott arrived at Bournemouth from Championship side Bristol City in the summer of 2023, shortly after winning the 2022-23 EFL Championship Young Player of the Season award.
His early months on the South Coast were disrupted by injuries, but he has since established himself as one of the most coveted midfielders in English football.
Last season Scott featured in 37 of Bournemouth’s 38 Premier League games under manager Andoni Iraola, playing a central role in a historic campaign.
The Cherries secured European qualification for the first time in 127 years and produced the longest unbeaten run across Europe’s top five leagues, stretching to 18 games without defeat.
Scott’s tenacity and consistency in midfield were widely credited as key factors behind Bournemouth’s remarkable run of form throughout the season.
Pep Guardiola, the former Manchester City manager, was among those to take notice, calling Scott an “unbelievable player” after facing him during an FA Cup tie against Bristol City in 2023.
Scott also produced a standout performance against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in April, with his then-manager Iraola describing him as “amazing” in what was a man-of-the-match display.
Despite that individual brilliance attracting heavy interest from the Premier League’s biggest clubs, Bournemouth have rebuffed enquiries and remain adamant about keeping the midfielder.
Sky Sports reports that Scott has declined to sign a contract extension with the Cherries, which has only intensified speculation surrounding his future ahead of the new season.
Bournemouth are said to expect the Guernsey-born midfielder to remain at the club regardless of his contractual situation, showing no willingness to sanction a departure.
Any club looking to prise Scott away from the South Coast would likely need to submit an offer well above his £42 million Transfermarkt valuation to test Bournemouth’s resolve.