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Alex Scott has reportedly turned down a new contract offer at Bournemouth, leaving his future open amid strong transfer interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.
Following an outstanding 2025–26 season, the Cherries have been eager to secure Scott on a new deal, one that would likely include a substantial release clause to safeguard his market value. The club is desperate to retain the midfielder, along with other highly sought-after players Rayan and Eli Junior Kroupi.
However, Sky Sports News reports that Bournemouth have had several contract proposals turned down by the 22-year-old, who is "not currently willing to agree new terms" given his connections to three Premier League heavyweights.
Chelsea have reportedly had an $86 million (£64 million) offer for Scott rebuffed, while Arsenal and United have also had their initial approaches "knocked back."
Bournemouth anticipate that Scott, whose existing contract runs until 2028, will stay at the Vitality Stadium for the upcoming season regardless of his contract status, but will find it increasingly difficult to hold off the growing interest.
Why Do Premier League Giants Want Scott?
For the first time in his Bournemouth career during 2025–26, Scott managed to complete an entire season without suffering a serious injury. Fitness setbacks had hindered his progress in prior campaigns, but an uninterrupted run under Andoni Iraola was precisely what the England international needed to accelerate his development.
Scott appeared in all but one of Bournemouth's Premier League fixtures last season, growing increasingly influential as the campaign progressed. He proved to be the ideal all-round midfielder within Iraola's high-intensity setup.
The midfielder covers the pitch exceptionally well and excels in his defensive contributions. Among Premier League midfielders last season, he ranked in the top five for possession won in the middle and defensive thirds, as well as ball recoveries. Yet Scott is equally effective going forward, contributing four goals and an assist throughout the term.
Just as important as his current quality is Scott's potential. At just 22, he still has considerable room to develop, both as a defensive shield and an attacking contributor, and his performances should improve further when surrounded by higher-calibre teammates.
Which Club Should Scott Join?
Scott faces a pivotal decision this summer. Should he choose to leave Bournemouth, selecting his next club will require careful consideration. Too many of the Premier League's most promising young talents have made ill-judged moves that have derailed their early careers.
For that reason, Scott would be wise to overlook Chelsea's advances. The club is navigating a transitional phase under new head coach Xabi Alonso and already possesses a wealth of quality midfield options. Even if Enzo Fernández departs, the Blues can call upon Moisés Caicedo, Dário Essugo, Roméo Lavia and Reece James in Alonso's two-man central midfield—without even accounting for Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer in more advanced positions.
Chelsea are also absent from European competition entirely next season and have repeatedly demonstrated a ruthless approach when handling talented young players. Among last summer's arrivals, Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens are already being viewed as sellable assets. Realistically, no ambitious player should be choosing Chelsea over another top club at this moment.
A move to Old Trafford will undoubtedly appeal to Scott, particularly following United's return to the Champions League and their recent rise under Michael Carrick. However, that project remains in its early stages and it is yet to be seen how the Red Devils will progress under their former player going forward.
Furthermore, United have just recruited two central midfielders, both expected to operate in the deep-lying double pivot. Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans join Kobbie Mainoo in the engine room, with both new arrivals anticipating prominent roles next season. Scott would certainly get game time, particularly during a European campaign where squad rotation is vital, but a guaranteed starting position is far from assured.
As such, a move to Premier League champions Arsenal could represent the ideal destination for Scott.
Not only would he be joining a well-established side and working under another gifted Spanish coach, but there is also a clear pathway into the starting eleven. Fellow Englishman Declan Rice is an undisputed first-choice starter, but his long-term midfield partner in a 4-2-3-1 (or occasionally a 4-3-3 with Martin Ødegaard or Eberechi Eze pushed higher) remains up for grabs.
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Martín Zubimendi's dip in form saw him lose his starting spot towards the end of last season, while Mikel Merino and Myles Lewis-Skelly are yet to fully cement their places. Christian Nørgaard remains little more than a backup option, and Scott's profile differs considerably from the likes of Ødegaard, Eze and Kai Havertz—all of whom Arteta deploys as attack-minded midfielders.
With Arsenal set to challenge on multiple fronts in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cup competitions next season, Scott would have ample opportunity to make his mark. At present, a move to the Gunners represents one of the safest and most rewarding choices available in English football, with further silverware in the seasons ahead looking increasingly likely.