Bournemouth ready club record contract to fend off Arsenal move
Bournemouth are prepared to break their own wage structure in an attempt to keep hold of Alex Scott, as Arsenal continue to circle the midfielder ahead of the end of the season.
Scott has emerged as one of the Premier League's most effective central midfielders over the past few campaigns, playing a key role in Bournemouth's Europa League qualification last season. He could have left that summer, but the club opted not to sell, banking instead on persuading him to sign a new contract. That gamble has yet to pay off, with Scott so far refusing to put pen to paper on an extension.
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Arsenal's interest in Scott
According to Team Talk, Bournemouth's owner has now agreed to break the club's wage record in a bid to keep Scott at the Vitality Stadium, with the club doing everything it can to convince the Englishman to stay.
Arsenal are reportedly preparing an approach for the 22 year old, aware that Liverpool are also tracking him. Arsenal's need for fresh options in central midfield is well documented, and Scott's profile, energy, and ball progression have made him a target for several of the Premier League's bigger sides.
The battle for his signature
Despite Bournemouth's financial commitment, there remains a real possibility Scott still does not sign the new deal on offer. Scott and his representatives are understood to view a move to a bigger club as the next natural step, with his ambition making a departure increasingly likely regardless of what Bournemouth put on the table.
That sets up a direct battle between Arsenal and Liverpool for his signature, with Bournemouth's record breaking wage offer unlikely to be the deciding factor if Scott has already set his sights elsewhere. Arteta's side will be hoping their project and current trajectory carry more weight than money in persuading him to move to north London.
Nothing is close to being finalised, and Bournemouth's resistance shows they are not willing to let their prized asset go without a fight. How the transfer saga unfolds will likely become clearer as the season progresses and Scott's contract situation edges closer to a resolution.
