Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott has declined a new contract with the club, opening the door for a potential move to one of several top Premier League sides. The 22-year-old’s current deal is not due to expire until 2028, but he has informed Bournemouth of his decision not to extend his stay, according to Sky Sports and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Bournemouth had been attempting to secure Scott’s future with fresh terms amid strong interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United. The club were even prepared to include a release clause in any new contract, demonstrating their desire to retain the player while acknowledging the possibility of a lucrative offer. However, Scott has made a firm decision to explore opportunities elsewhere.
Scott established himself as a key player for Marco Rose’s Bournemouth last season, making 39 appearances across all competitions and contributing five goals. Despite his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently standing at €41.9 million, Bournemouth have reportedly set an asking price of €94 million (£80m) for any potential suitors. This valuation reflects the player’s importance to the club and the current market for young, dynamic midfielders.
Manchester United have emerged as frontrunners for Scott’s signature, particularly after their pursuit of Atalanta’s Ederson fell through. The Red Devils have already bolstered their midfield with the signings of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, but manager Michael Carrick is seeking a further addition. Scott is considered a primary target, alongside Manu Kone of AS Roma and Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion. Scott has earned one senior cap for England, adding to his appeal for top clubs.
While Bournemouth maintain they are not actively seeking to sell Scott, they acknowledge they may be compelled to accept a transfer if the player makes a formal request to leave. The situation presents a significant opportunity for United to strengthen their midfield options, though some analysts question whether Scott’s profile is the ideal fit for their current needs, given their existing options and the need for a more defensively-minded player.
