Chelsea have emerged as the frontrunners to sign AFC Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, with the club now ready to actively explore a deal for the 23-year-old.
The Blues were left short in midfield after Enzo Fernandez departed for Manchester City, and their attempts to address the gap before the transfer deadline ultimately fell short.
Chelsea had agreed a deal to sign AS Monaco’s Lamine Camara, but Monaco pulled out of the agreement in the final stages of the window, choosing to sell Folarin Balogun instead.
Balogun’s proposed move to Everton also collapsed, leaving multiple clubs scrambling to plug gaps that were never adequately filled before the deadline passed.
Xabi Alonso is now expected to revisit the midfield market in January, with Scott identified as one of the leading targets for the Stamford Bridge club.
A move for Atletico Madrid’s Pablo Barrios is also under consideration, but Scott is seen as the preferable option given his established Premier League pedigree.
The Bournemouth midfielder has made 83 Premier League appearances, contributing five goals and two assists, demonstrating he can perform consistently at the highest level of English football.
Scott has made an impressive start to the current campaign, scoring in Bournemouth’s 1-1 draw against Everton while putting in a commanding all-round display in midfield.
Scout Antonio Mango was full of praise for Scott’s performance against Newcastle United, with Marco Rose’s side drawing 2-2 at St. James’ Park on that occasion.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea have moved into pole position in the race for Scott’s signature and are ready to explore a deal, targeting a move next summer.
The former Bristol City man is Chelsea’s primary midfield target, and the club even made late contact with Bournemouth at the end of the transfer window in an unsuccessful attempt to sign him.
Scott has so far been unwilling to commit to a new contract at the Vitality Stadium, despite his current deal not expiring until 2028, putting Bournemouth under pressure over his future.
Bournemouth have no desire to sell Scott during the January window, which means Chelsea are likely to have to wait until the summer to make a serious push for his signature.
With Scott valued at £78m, any deal will represent a significant financial commitment, but Chelsea appear willing to make him the centerpiece of their midfield rebuild under Alonso.