Liverpool join Chelsea in race to sign Bournemouth's £43m midfielder Alex Scott

Liverpool have reportedly joined Chelsea in the race to sign AFC Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott. TEAMtalk claims the Reds are interested, with Andoni Iraola knowing the player from their time together at Bournemouth. Chelsea remain keen after their summer proposal was rejected.

  • Player: Alex Scott (AFC Bournemouth)
  • Valuation: £43m per Transfermarkt
  • Contract: Expires 2028; Bournemouth want to extend with a release clause
  • Clubs interested: Liverpool and Chelsea
  • Stage: Liverpool interest reported; Chelsea had a formal summer bid rejected
  • Potential move: January or next summer

Deal details

Liverpool have joined Chelsea in the pursuit of Alex Scott, according to TEAMtalk. The Reds sold Curtis Jones this summer but chose not to buy a new midfielder. As a result, Andoni Iraola currently has Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Trey Nyoni as deeper midfield options. Wataru Endo can also provide cover but has found himself on the periphery in recent years, while Nyoni is still very young and needs time to develop. Liverpool are reportedly exploring options to replace Jones next year, and their interest in Scott is driven partly by Iraola's firsthand knowledge from their time together at the Vitality Stadium.

Chelsea have continued to keep a close eye on Scott despite having a formal proposal rejected by Bournemouth during the summer window. The Cherries do not want to part ways with the 22-year-old and plan to keep him by tying him to a new long-term contract. The report states that Marco Rose's side are even prepared to include a release clause to persuade him to sign an extension, as he has already turned down a few contract offers. Scott's existing deal runs until 2028. Chelsea sold Enzo Fernandez on deadline day but did not reinforce their engine room, and they are seemingly looking for a new midfielder next year.

Why Liverpool and Chelsea are chasing Alex Scott

Scott is a box-to-box midfielder by trait and has enjoyed a promising start to this season. He showed glimpses of his qualities last term, helping Bournemouth qualify for the Europa League by finishing sixth in the Premier League. His performances have impressed England manager Thomas Tuchel, who has selected him for the September/October international fixtures. Valued at around £43m by Transfermarkt, Scott possesses high potential and could be a shrewd acquisition for either Chelsea or Liverpool.

Liverpool's interest makes sense given their midfield reshuffle. Having sold Curtis Jones, the Reds opted against a direct replacement, leaving Iraola with a core of Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai and Nyoni. While Endo offers experience, his peripheral role suggests a longer-term successor to Jones is needed. Scott's energy and ability to contribute at both ends would suit Liverpool's high-intensity approach under Iraola, who knows exactly how to deploy him from their Bournemouth days. With Jones gone, the Reds lack a natural box-to-box presence; Scott could fill that void.

Chelsea's situation is similar. The deadline-day sale of Enzo Fernandez left a creative hole in midfield, and the Blues are already planning for next year. Their summer approach for Scott was rebuffed, but their interest persists. Bournemouth's determination to extend Scott's contract, potentially with a release clause, complicates matters. The Cherries want to keep their prized asset, but a £43m valuation and interest from two top clubs may force their hand. Scott's development under Iraola and his recent England call-up only increase his appeal. If Bournemouth secure a new deal with a release clause, it could set a clear price for suitors. However, Scott has already rejected several offers, suggesting he may be open to a move. Liverpool and Chelsea will likely weigh a January approach against waiting until next summer. The race is on.

Talking points

  • Would Scott get regular starts at Liverpool with Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai already competing for midfield spots?
  • Should Chelsea have prioritised a midfielder in the summer instead of waiting after selling Enzo Fernandez?
  • Is a £43m valuation fair for a player who has impressed for Bournemouth but is yet to prove himself at a top club?
  • Will Bournemouth's plan to include a release clause in Scott's new contract actually speed up his exit?

What happens next

Bournemouth will continue talks with Alex Scott over a new long-term contract, potentially including a release clause, as they look to fend off interest from Liverpool and Chelsea. Scott's performances for Bournemouth and his England call-up will be closely monitored. The Reds and the Blues will likely assess their midfield needs ahead of the January window. A formal bid from either club could test Bournemouth's resolve, but the Cherries are keen to keep their star. The situation could develop quickly if Scott rejects further contract offers.

Frequently asked questions

Which clubs are interested in signing Alex Scott?

Liverpool and Chelsea are both interested in signing Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, according to a report from TEAMtalk.

How much is Alex Scott valued at?

Scott is valued at around £43m by Transfermarkt. Bournemouth rejected a formal proposal from Chelsea during the summer window.

When does Alex Scott's contract expire?

Scott's existing deal runs until 2028, but Bournemouth are prepared to offer a new long-term contract that could include a release clause.

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