Arsenal facing three Premier League rivals for Bournemouth star

September 21, 2026DailyAFC Staff

Credit: Getty Images

Arsenal are reportedly one of four Premier League clubs tracking Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, with Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham also monitoring his situation.

That is according to Sportowy, who report that the Gunners retain an interest in the midfielder but face significant domestic competition should he become available.

Scott has established himself as a key figure on the south coast, and his consistency in the middle of the park has kept him on the radar of several top-flight sides.

A crowded race

Arsenal already addressed the midfield department in the summer with the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes, but the report claims Scott remains a target the club continue to track.

The issue is the company Arsenal find themselves in. Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham are all said to be monitoring the same player, and all three believe he could make an impact if they win the race.

Interest from that many clubs typically drives a valuation upwards, and Bournemouth have shown in recent windows that they are willing to hold firm on their asking prices for key assets.

It is worth noting that Sportowy are not a tier one outlet for Premier League transfer business, so the report should be treated with a degree of caution until it is corroborated by more established sources.

Summer rather than January

The timing may prove significant. Bournemouth are said to be unlikely to sanction a sale in the January window, which the report suggests could work in Arsenal's favour given the financial and squad constraints of a mid-season deal.

A summer move would give the Gunners more time to assess whether Scott is the profile they want to add, and where he would fit alongside the options already at Mikel Arteta's disposal.

It would also, however, give the three rival suitors the same window of opportunity. If interest from Old Trafford, Anfield and north London's other half holds through the season, Arsenal would need to move decisively rather than deliberate.

Scott's versatility is part of the appeal. He has operated across central and wide midfield roles for Bournemouth and has been trusted in high-pressure fixtures against the division's stronger sides, which is the kind of profile Arsenal's recruitment team have historically valued.

What happens next

For now, Scott remains a Bournemouth player. There is no suggestion of a bid, an agreement, or even formal contact — this is monitoring rather than movement.

The picture should become clearer as the summer window approaches, particularly if the reported interest from the four clubs intensifies and Bournemouth are forced to set a price.

Arsenal's own midfield situation between now and then will also shape whether this interest develops into something concrete. Guimaraes' integration, the fitness of the existing options, and how the season unfolds will all factor into the club's thinking.

Until then, Scott's name will continue to be linked with a move away from the Vitality Stadium, and Arsenal will be one of several clubs watching how the situation develops.