**Chelsea are preparing a mammoth bid for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott ahead of the next transfer window, according to reports.**
[_TEAMtalk_](https://www.teamtalk.com/chelsea/alex-scott-blockbuster-signing-england-midfielder-club-record-january-deal-exclusive) claim that the Blues are “ready to meet” the valuation of the England international, despite his club demanding close to £100m.
Scott has been a priority for the recruitment team for several months. More than one bid was reportedly tabled for the player in the summer.
However, Bournemouth were not willing to let him leave at the time, and they would still be very reluctant to offload him in the New Year, unless a team matches their eye-watering price tag.
Why do Chelsea want the player so badly?
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The midfielder matches the age profile that the club usually targets (23), and he also fits nicely into Xabi Alonso’s system.
Scott started his career as an attacking midfielder, but he was converted into a deeper-lying player last season, playing as part of a double pivot, and he would therefore be a suitable partner for the likes of [**Moises Caicedo**](https://chelseanews.com/blog/chelsea-injury-news-moises-caicedo-wright-phillips-exclusive/).
Even so, £100m for someone who will have less than 18 months left on his contract by January is A LOT to pay.
There won’t be much competition for Scott
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Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United all considered approaches for the player in the summer, but they ultimately signed alternatives, which means they are unlikely to pose much of a threat to Chelsea in January.
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola is also believed to be a fan of Scott, but any bid from the Reds would probably have to wait until the end of the season when Alexis Mac Allister could depart.
For that reason, January is a good time for Chelsea to make their offer, but the costs involved will surely mean they will think twice before they put a bid on the table.