Chelsea’s interest in Alex Scott has not faded after their pursuit failed in the summer, with the Bournemouth midfielder once again becoming a player to watch ahead of January.
The Blues pushed hard for Scott before the deadline, but were turned down multiple times.
But that has not changed their admiration for the 23-year-old, whose reputation continues to grow after being called up to the England squad again this month.
Chelsea ahead of other clubs in Alex Scott race
according to daily mailIf Bournemouth soften their stance and make Scott available during the winter window, Chelsea are expected to be at the front of the queue.
This is essentially a continuation of unfinished business from the summer. Bournemouth refused Chelsea bid £64m in Julymade it clear at that time that they did not want to sell. Scott also turned down several offers for a new contract, despite having two years left on his current deal.
Chelsea then made further attempts to strike a deal, with reports suggesting that three offers were rejected before the transfer window closed.
Scott has coped with the uncertainty by staying relevant against Bournemouth. He has started regularly this season and has already scored in the Premier League, while his performances have also earned him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad for Nations League games against Spain, Croatia and the Czech Republic.
His attraction to Chelsea is easy to understand. Xabi Alonso lost Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City at the end of the summer window, leaving the Blues lacking established midfield options. Especially when Moises Caicedo is unavailable.
Bournemouth hold all the cards
Chelsea’s pursuit makes more sense now than it did earlier in the summer.
Scott is able to receive the ball with ease under pressure, can play deeper or more forward and already knows the Premier League. The 23-year-old also fits Chelsea’s preference for players who can improve immediately while retaining significant resale value.
The difficulty lies in Bournemouth’s negotiating position.
Scott’s refusal to extend his contract gives Chelsea some long-term leverage, but Bournemouth have shown they are willing to turn down big money. Their decision to reject £64m, with two other reported offers, suggests negotiations in January will start at a very high price.
Therefore, Chelsea need discipline. Scott will strengthen Alonso’s midfield, but paying an exorbitant mid-season premium just because a previous bid failed would be risky.
If Bournemouth end up being willing to sell, Chelsea will be hard to ignore. Until then, this is still a deal, and patience may be worth more than another aggressive bid.
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