Chelsea are leading the race for Alex Scott, with Bournemouth already lining up replacements

Chelsea have emerged as firm favourites to sign Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, with the Cherries actively scouting Kees Smit and Kenneth Taylor as potential replacements. Bournemouth are preparing for a January exit and believe Scott could leave, according to TeamTalk, with Chelsea now his top midfield target.

  • Main story: Chelsea are leading the chase for Bournemouth's Alex Scott, with Liverpool also interested.
  • Fee: It will take over £100million to lure Scott from Bournemouth in January.
  • Bournemouth plan: The Cherries are scouting Kees Smit and Kenneth Taylor as replacements.
  • Key development: Bournemouth are planning for Scott's exit and have already had one record contract offer rejected.

Deal details

Chelsea are described as “firm favourites ahead of Liverpool” for Scott, who has “emerged as Chelsea’s new top midfield target”. The report states it will take over £100million to sign him in January. Bournemouth are “prepared to allow the midfielder to choose his next destination”, and the club are actively assessing replacements, with Tiago Pinto, the president of football operations, overseeing the search.

Bournemouth's replacement plan

Bournemouth have identified two Dutch midfielders, Kees Smit and Kenneth Taylor, as potential replacements for Scott. Smit, 20, is particularly well liked, with the club following his progress closely and believing a deal can be done with AZ Alkmaar. He is understood to be open to a January move and a switch to the Vitality Stadium is believed to appeal to him, despite a current groin injury. Taylor, now at Lazio after his January move, has impressed in Serie A and is also on Bournemouth's radar, although Brighton are credited with interest. Boca Juniors teenager Tomas Aranda has also caught Bournemouth's eye as they widen their search.

Contract offer keeps Bournemouth stance alive

Bournemouth have not given up hope of keeping Scott. The club's owner, Bill Foley, is set to make another contract offer that would make him the highest-paid player in the club's history, following the revelation that Scott has already rejected one record-breaking offer. Internally, there remains hope that an improved package could change the picture.

Why Chelsea want Alex Scott

Alex Scott has become Chelsea's top midfield target as Xabi Alonso looks to reshape the midfield following Enzo Fernandez's summer sale. The report says Chelsea are "huge admirers" of Scott, and his profile—technical, mobile, and with personality—fits the need for greater control and composure in central areas. At 20, Scott is already an England international and his homegrown status adds to his value. The £100million-plus valuation reflects his age, potential, and the timing of a mid-season deal. For Chelsea, paying big now could make sense if they believe he can become a cornerstone player for years.

Talking points

  • Is £100million too much for a 20-year-old with limited Premier League experience? Chelsea's midfield rebuild may justify the outlay.
  • Bournemouth's proactive planning for replacements suggests they expect Scott to leave—but their record contract offer shows they won't give up without a fight.
  • Kees Smit and Kenneth Taylor are both relatively unproven at Premier League level; can they fill Scott's boots if he departs?
  • Liverpool's interest could spark a bidding war, but Chelsea's "firm favourites" status indicates they have done the groundwork.

What happens next

Bournemouth are expected to make an improved contract offer to Scott, while Chelsea prepare a January bid exceeding £100million. The January transfer window will be pivotal, with Bournemouth also advancing on replacements. Scott's decision will shape both clubs' seasons.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Chelsea's top midfield target?

Alex Scott of Bournemouth has emerged as Chelsea's new top midfield target, according to reports.

How much will Alex Scott cost?

It will take over £100million to lure Scott from Bournemouth in January, as per the report.

Who are Bournemouth targeting to replace Alex Scott?

Bournemouth are scouting Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar and Kenneth Taylor of Lazio, with Boca Juniors' Tomas Aranda also on their radar.

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