It won’t only be Liam Rosenior licking his wounds on Monday. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have lost grip in the title race and Chelsea transfer target Alex Scott was central to that.
Gary Neville thinks Chelsea’s chances of Champions League qualification are now over after a 3-0 defeat to Man City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Chelsea are now four adrift of Liverpool, who remain in fifth.
But Arsenal were the real losers of the weekend. Chelsea’s hopes of Champions League football were always dwindling, but the Gunners needed to win to keep the momentum ahead of Pep Guardiola’s City.
What is Chelsea’s best centre-back partnership?
Fofana and Hato couldn't stop City.
They lost 2-1 at home to Bournemouth, with pressure beginning to pile on Arteta’s men. Some Chelsea fans hoped their side lost, allowing City to close the gap after Chelsea target Scott had scored a winner.
Trevoh Chalobah impressed by Bournemouth star Alex Scott
Bournemouth had taken the lead against Arsenal, only for Viktor Gyokeres to equalise with a penalty. But England star Scott, who cost Bournemouth a £25m fee in 2023, sent David Raya the wrong way to score.
Arsenal v Bournemouth - Premier League
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
Another brilliant performance from the midfielder, with Andoni Iraola describing Scott as “amazing” in his post-match interview. Scott has been a long-term target and Chelsea could act on that in the summer.
Certainly, the Blues are likely to be in the market for a midfielder if Enzo Fernandez leaves. Having posted on Instagram after scoring the winner against Arsenal, Trevoh Chalobah described Scott as a “baller”.
Alex Scott would be the perfect Enzo Fernandez replacement
With Fernandez back involved after being banned for two games, the Argentina international has six Premier League games and an FA Cup semi-final as he attempts to claw back some love from fans.
Good player, but we’re taking Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton over him 🤷♂️
Chelsea add Alex Scott to shortlist
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
But if the inevitable does happen and the World Cup winner departs, Chelsea will need to bring a player in to replace him. Joao Gomes prefers a move to Liverpool this summer, with his Wolves side relegated.
Scott would be a terrific signing, simply because he embodies everything Fernandez offers. Tenacity, energy, an eye for goal and that Frank Lampard-like timing to get into the box and score from midfield.
It is unclear how much Chelsea would have to pay for Scott, who could well be on the plane across the pond this summer. But if Chelsea want a proven Premier League replacement, Scott is a top choice.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox