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Manchester United and Arsenal are both active in the midfield transfer market this summer, and the two clubs have received a boost in their pursuit of Alex Scott following reports about the contract offer currently on the table from Bournemouth.
While United need both a direct replacement for Casemiro and additional midfield depth to handle the increased demands of Champions League football next season, Arsenal are looking to build on their first Premier League title in 22 years.
Mikel Arteta showed little faith in Christian Nørgaard beyond domestic cup fixtures last season, leaving Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi to shoulder the majority of the workload. Myles Lewis-Skelly was also brought back into the fold late in the campaign, contributing meaningfully in the closing stages.
Both clubs have struggled in their midfield search early in the window, with Tottenham Hotspur leveraging their urgency and financial resources to secure two top targets from the market.
Mateus Fernandes had been heavily linked with the Red Devils, while Arsenal were reportedly given the opportunity to acquire Sandro Tonali. The duo will instead come together to form Roberto De Zerbi's revamped Lilywhite midfield, at a combined cost of no less than £185 million ($247 million).
Alex Scott Rejects Bournemouth's Contract
Ben Jacobs reported at the end of May, shortly after Bournemouth had secured their first-ever Europa League qualification, that the Cherries were optimistic Alex Scott would put pen to paper on a contract extension at the club.
Bournemouth acquired Scott as a teenager from Bristol City for £25 million ($33.5 million) in 2023 and have since shaped the midfielder into one of the Premier League's most dynamic and exciting players in his role. He was especially impactful during a historic season for the Cherries, featuring 37 times in the top flight and contributing four goal involvements.
Arsenal were left particularly impressed when Scott arrived at the Emirates Stadium in April and helped Andoni Iraola's side claim a 2–1 win. His ability was on full display before Mikel Arteta, as he netted Bournemouth's decisive goal in the 74th minute.
While the Gunners had been focused on the challenging pursuit of Bruno Guimarães, they are also believed to be competing with Manchester United for Scott's services. The Athletic's latest update on the midfielder's future on the south coast offers some encouragement, though the news that he has turned down a new Bournemouth deal does not guarantee a departure this summer.
The 22-year-old still has a couple of years remaining on his current contract, and the Cherries have no plans to sell Scott ahead of their inaugural European campaign. With the market inflated by the Elliot Anderson, Fernandes and Tonali transfers, it would take an extraordinary offer for them to even entertain the idea.
Why Alex Scott is So In-Demand
Scott is among several midfielders that Manchester United, in particular, are monitoring. The Red Devils have explored a wide range of options, with Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni and Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi among those under consideration. They are also hoping to finalise a deal for Atalanta's Éderson following Brazil's elimination from the World Cup.
Arsenal's midfield strategy remains less defined, particularly with a move for Guimarães appearing increasingly unlikely.
Both clubs may ultimately need to view Scott as a target for the future, and it is easy to see why there is such significant interest in him.
Scott was outstanding in Bournemouth's midfield last season, predominantly operating in a double pivot alongside the combative Tyler Adams or Ryan Christie. He is a progressive, carry-first midfielder, and his former manager Iraola believes he is developing into a well-rounded player.
"I'm very happy, because he is becoming a very, very complete player," he said following Scott's match-winning performance against Arsenal in April.
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He has the hallmarks of a future England regular, with his slickness and composure in possession complemented by a tireless engine and an unwavering desire to compete. He registered more than 12 defensive actions per game in the Premier League last season, and performs in stark contrast to his Jack Grealish-like appearance.
Scott is a tenacious, resilient character with the mentality to handle the heightened scrutiny that comes with representing football's elite clubs.