Alex Scott Transfer Race: Arsenal Enter Battle With Manchester United and Liverpool for £80m Bournemouth Midfielder

Arsenal have entered the transfer race for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, with the north London club preparing to open formal discussions over a player valued at approximately £80 million, according to reports.

Scott, 22, was a standout performer for Bournemouth throughout the 2025-26 Premier League season, missing just one of the club’s league fixtures. His contributions played a significant role in Bournemouth securing a sixth-place finish — a historic achievement that earned the south coast club European football for the first time.

According to The Times, Arsenal are now positioned to make a formal approach for the midfielder as manager Mikel Arteta looks to reinforce his squad ahead of what will be a Premier League title defence next season. Arteta is reportedly targeting at least two high-profile additions, with Scott identified as a central piece of those plans.

However, Arsenal face considerable competition. Manchester United have also identified Scott as a priority target this summer as the club continues a significant rebuild under manager Michael Carrick. United have already moved decisively in the transfer market, agreeing a £35 million deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson. Despite that addition, Carrick is reportedly keen to bring in at least one further central midfielder following the departures of Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro.

Liverpool complete the trio of top-flight clubs monitoring Scott’s situation. The Merseyside club’s interest is reported to date back to the period when former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola departed the Vitality Stadium to take charge at Anfield, with Liverpool having tracked Scott since that managerial transition.

Arsenal’s need for midfield reinforcement is compounded by concerns in other areas of the squad. Reports suggest the club are also considering an imminent move for Aston Villa and England midfielder Morgan Rogers, who is capable of operating across the frontline, with left wing identified as another position requiring attention.

Arsenal separately are reportedly preparing a €50 million bid for an AS Roma midfielder, indicating the scale of Arteta’s planned summer investment as the club looks to build on its title-winning campaign.

Scott’s emergence as one of the Premier League’s most coveted midfielders reflects a broader trend of Bournemouth developing and attracting interest in top talent under Iraola’s tenure. With European football now confirmed for next season, Bournemouth’s ability to retain Scott will be tested against the financial and competitive pull of clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool — all of whom are expected to be active in the market before the summer window closes.