Arsenal Set to Enter Transfer Race for Bournemouth’s Alex Scott Alongside Manchester United and Liverpool

Arsenal are set to enter negotiations with Bournemouth for midfielder Alex Scott, joining Manchester United and Liverpool in pursuit of one of the Premier League’s most sought-after young players this transfer window, according to reports.

According to The Times, the north London club are preparing to make a formal approach for the 22-year-old, who played in all but one of Bournemouth’s Premier League fixtures during the 2025-26 season. His performances contributed directly to the Cherries securing a sixth-place finish — their highest-ever Premier League placing — and qualification for European competition for the first time in the club’s history.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is understood to be targeting at least two high-profile additions to his squad as the club prepares to defend their Premier League title in the 2026-27 campaign. Sources suggest the left-wing position is also a priority area for Arteta, with reports linking the Gunners to Aston Villa and England midfielder Morgan Rogers, who is capable of operating across the attacking line.

Manchester United remain the primary competition for Scott’s signature. Under new manager Michael Carrick, the club is undergoing a significant summer rebuild and has already completed the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson for £35 million. However, with both Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro departing Old Trafford, Carrick is reportedly still seeking at least one further midfield reinforcement, making Scott a key target.

Liverpool’s interest in Scott is also understood to predate the current transfer window. The Merseyside club have been linked with the Bournemouth midfielder since Andoni Iraola — who had managed Scott at the Vitality Stadium — departed to take charge at Anfield, suggesting his familiarity with the player may have influenced Liverpool’s pursuit.

Scott, an England youth international, has emerged as one of the standout midfielders in the Premier League over the past season. At 22, he represents the type of young, high-ceiling profile that multiple top-six clubs are targeting as they seek to strengthen their squads ahead of both domestic and European commitments.

Bournemouth, who will compete in European football next season for the first time, are unlikely to sanction a sale without a substantial fee, given Scott’s importance to their historic campaign. The club’s newfound European status may also complicate negotiations, as retaining key players will be central to any credible continental ambition.

No official bid has been confirmed by any of the three clubs as of publication, and all transfer interest at this stage remains at the reported and exploratory level.