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Chelsea transfer news## Chelsea and Arsenal are interested in Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott this summer, who continues to be linked with a departure from the Vitality Stadium after a brilliant 2025/26 season
12:15, 21 Jul 2026
Chelsea have had an enquiry for Alex Scott swiftly rebuffed by Bournemouth, who insist the midfielder is not for sale at any price this summer.
The 22-year-old is said to have turned down the latest contract offer from the Cherries, who are more than aware of mass interest in the midfielder's services this summer. Sources say there has been interest registered from multiple of the so-called 'big six', including Chelsea and Arsenal, in Scott but Bournemouth intend to keep him for the 2026/27 season that gets underway next month.
The Cherries plan on Scott being part of Marco Rose's team next term, either on the same contract or on fresh terms. Chelsea are looking to add another central midfielder to their ranks for new manager Xabi Alonso to work with after the Blues saw an £8million bid turned down by Sunderland last month for Granit Xhaka.
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Xhaka, according to sources, showed an initial openness to move to Stamford Bridge but changed his mind at a later date and confirmed his desire to stay at the Stadium of Light for the upcoming season. Chelsea have a long list of central midfield targets other than Scott and Xhaka, with Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton said to be one of the names under consideration.
Wharton is of long-term interest to the Blues, though any deal for the Crystal Palace midfielder is expected to be around the £100m-mark. Chelsea have just splashed £117m on Morgan Rogers, who is set to arrive from Aston Villa on a six-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months.
Meanwhile, confidence is growing that a deal with Crystal Palace can be struck for Maxence Lacroix. The France international is open to leaving Selhurst Park this summer and Chelsea are the clear favourites at the time of writing, despite an interest from Premier League champions Arsenal.
Chelsea have recently stepped up their interest in Lacroix and sources close to the deal are optimistic an agreement will eventually be reached. Palace are said to be holding out for £60m for their star defender.
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