Arsenal make contact over Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott
Arsenal have made contact over a potential move for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, as the Gunners look to get ahead in a race that also involves Chelsea and Liverpool.
Scott has established himself as one of the more impressive midfielders in the Premier League over the last few seasons, and his situation at Bournemouth is becoming increasingly uncertain. His representatives have not accepted an offer to extend his current contract, which runs out before the end of 2027, raising the prospect that the Cherries could look to cash in rather than risk losing him for nothing.
The Friday Injury Tracker
Who's out, who's back and what it means for the next two games.
According to iNews, Arsenal are among several clubs who have already made enquiries with Bournemouth about Scott, with Chelsea and Liverpool also credited with interest in the 23 year old.
Arteta keen on midfield addition
Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen to work with Scott, who would offer another option in an Arsenal midfield that has become a closely scrutinised part of the squad this season. His Premier League experience, allied to the sense that he still has considerable room to develop, makes him an appealing target as Arteta assesses his options in that area of the pitch.
It remains unclear whether Bournemouth would sanction a sale in January, though there is an expectation within the game that Scott will leave at the end of the current campaign regardless, with interest from leading clubs continuing to build.
Midfield uncertainty could open a path
Arsenal's pursuit may hinge on developments elsewhere in the squad. Uncertainty surrounding Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino could create space for a new arrival, with a departure from either potentially easing the competition for places that would otherwise await Scott at the Emirates.
For his part, Scott will want assurances over regular football before committing to his next move, a factor that could prove decisive given the number of clubs now competing for his signature. Arsenal have made contact, but with Chelsea and Liverpool also in the mix, there is still plenty of work to do before any deal could be considered close.
The picture around Arsenal's midfield options is likely to become clearer in the coming months as the futures of Zubimendi and Merino are resolved one way or another.
