Bournemouth have rejected an Arsenal enquiry for Alex Scott and told the Premier League champions that the midfielder is not for sale this summer.
The Gunners want to sign a new central midfielder, with Scott understood to be one of the names on their shortlist. According to Sami Mokbel for BBC Sport, Bournemouth have communicated their intention to keep the 22-year-old and now want to agree an extension to his current contract.
That gives Arsenal an immediate transfer reality check. Scott fits the age, Premier League experience and technical profile Mikel Arteta tends to value, but Bournemouth do not need to act like a selling club.
Scott has two years left on his current deal after joining from Bristol City. He has also attracted interest from Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea, which only strengthens Bournemouth’s hand.
Arsenal’s Midfield Search Now Faces A Valuation Test
Arsenal have also explored midfield options including Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Ayyoub Bouaddi. ReadArsenal has already examined why Manu Kone offers a different route for Declan Rice support, and Scott now sits inside that wider search for control.
The Bournemouth stance matters because Arsenal cannot afford a slow, vague midfield chase. They need to decide whether Scott is a priority worth testing with a serious bid, or a name to park while other targets remain active.
That is the real transfer question. Bournemouth have drawn the line early. Arsenal now need to decide if Scott is worth forcing the conversation.
