Chelsea fail in late Alex Scott push as Bournemouth block £64m target

Chelsea have failed with a late attempt to sign Alex Scott after Bournemouth made it clear the midfielder would not be allowed to leave before the transfer deadline.

The Blues had identified the 23-year-old as their No.1 option to replace Enzo Fernandez and made fresh calls over a potential deal in recent days, having already seen a £64million offer rejected earlier in the summer.

Bournemouth refused to reconsider their position, despite Scott entering the final two years of his contract and turning down an offer to extend his stay.

Chelsea's renewed interest comes as Manchester City push to sign Fernandez on Deadline Day.

City are attempting to reach an agreement for the Argentina international, although Chelsea are demanding around £130m before considering his departure.

With Fernandez open to the move, the Blues have been assessing potential replacements and Scott emerged as their preferred candidate.

However, Bournemouth have refused to facilitate a late transfer.

Chelsea had already tested their resolve with a £64m bid earlier in the window and their latest enquiries produced the same response.

The Cherries simply do not intend to sell one of their most valuable players this summer.

Chelsea are far from Scott's only admirers.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool have all registered strong interest in the England midfielder, who has developed into one of the Premier League's most highly regarded young ball-playing midfielders.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola knows Scott particularly well from their time together at Bournemouth, while Arsenal have also made significant enquiries.

United considered Scott during their midfield rebuild but were similarly informed that Bournemouth would not entertain a transfer.

Those clubs are now expected to remain alert ahead of next summer.

Scott's contract situation could eventually create a decision for Bournemouth.

The midfielder has rejected a new deal and is now inside the final two years of the contract he signed after arriving from Bristol City for around £25m in 2023.

Despite that situation, Bournemouth believe Scott's development has transformed him into a player worth around £100m.

Selling him this summer was therefore never part of their plans.

The club have taken a similarly strong stance with other sought-after players, including Rayan and Junior Kroupi, amid interest from elsewhere.

Having told their leading players they would remain, Bournemouth were reluctant to reverse that position and risk creating unrest within the squad.

Scott is now expected to remain at Bournemouth for the season, but his future is likely to become a major transfer story next summer, particularly if he continues to reject a contract extension.

Chelsea must meanwhile consider alternative plans if Manchester City succeed in their late pursuit of Fernandez, with Bournemouth unwilling to release their preferred replacement.