The Athletic reports that AFC Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott is being monitored by Chelsea and Liverpool, with a transfer worth about £100m potentially possible.
AFC Bournemouth could consider selling the 23-year-old in January if their Premier League survival is secure. Scott has just over 18 months remaining on his contract and there are no immediate plans for an extension.
The valuation reflects the current market for young English midfielders. Chelsea attempted to sign Scott in the summer and remain among the clubs interested, while Liverpool and Arsenal are also viewed as potential destinations.
Scott made his senior England debut earlier this month in a 7-0 win over Croatia. England manager Tuchel praised the midfielder after the game, saying: “He’s incredibly fluid on the ball, makes top-level decisions, and plays with great confidence. He’s very active, with strong off-ball movementan all-around midfielder.”
Those comments have increased expectations around Scott, whose contribution without possession is sometimes overshadowed by his technical quality.
“He wins the most ground duels in the Premier League, recovering possession 36 timesonly two players have more. He also ranks fifth in the league for distance covered,” said Andy Bishop, a commentator for the Premier League’s international broadcast, during Chelsea’s win over AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge last Saturday.
Former England defender and co-commentator Matt Upson added: “When we talk about Alex Scott, we always think of his beautiful head-up passing and movement. But off the ball, he is crucial for AFC Bournemouth.”
Scott is 178 cm tall, lean and wears his socks rolled down to his ankles, but has worked extensively in the gym since joining AFC Bournemouth and is now significantly stronger. His tactical understanding has also developed, particularly under former manager Andoni Iraola.
He has improved his defensive game over the past two seasons after recognising that he needed to become more effective without the ball to reach the highest level.
“I think this step can turn a good player into a top player,” Scott told Sky Sports last year.
Since the start of last season, only five players have made more defensive interceptions per 90 minutes than Scott, while only Elliot Anderson has made more interceptions overall. His coverage and willingness to move wide or advance complement Iraola’s high-pressing style.
Scott’s first involvement for England, as a substitute against the Czech Republic, was a regain of possession. Four days later against Croatia, he supplied the pre-assist for England’s opening goal.
Born in the Channel Islands, Scott is known as “the Grealish of Guernsey”. He attracted wider attention during Bristol City’s FA Cup tie against Manchester City in February 2023, when he produced a notable run past Julian Alvarez, Riyad Mahrez, Rico Lewis and Kevin De Bruyne.
Pep Guardiola described him afterwards as “An incredible player.”
Scott was playing for Guernsey FC in the eighth tier of English football in 2019. At Bristol City, he was mainly used as a No. 10, but has since become a more complete midfielder.
His preferred role is No. 8, although he can operate as a No. 6 in a double pivot, receive the ball deep and control the pace with short passes. Against Croatia, he also showed his ability to play penetrating long balls.
Opta’s measure of direct forward passescompleted passes in the attacking third that move the ball at least 25% closer to the opponent’s goalis not a major strength, and Scott ranks relatively low in that category. His progressive ball-carrying is among the best for his position, however, while his shooting volume and threat are also notable.
Manchester City signed Elliot Anderson and Abdukodir Khusanov during the summer, Manchester United brought in Youri Tielemans, Leny Yoro and Carlos Baleba, and Tottenham secured Sandro Tonali and Matheus Fernandes.
That leaves Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea as the most realistic Premier League suitors.
Liverpool are considered strong contenders because of Iraola’s relationship with Scott and the admiration for the player within the club. Some supporters have compared him with a more versatile replacement for Alexis Mac Allister, who was reportedly frustrated not to receive a new contract this summer.
However, midfield is not Liverpool’s most urgent need, with the club satisfied by its depth and encouraged by Trey Nyoni and James McConnell. Liverpool would prefer AFC Bournemouth to retain Scott until the end of the season before considering a move next summer.
Arsenal have long admired Scott, but a short-term move is unlikely given their midfield options, including Ødegaard.
Chelsea are widely expected to have the greatest need for a midfielder. Their summer bid was rejected and they failed to sign Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara on deadline day. It is easy to envisage Enzo Maresca pairing Scott with Caicedo.
Wherever he goes, the “all-around midfielder” identified by Tuchel appears likely to become one of the Premier League’s major transfer stories.
