Bournemouth owner Bill Foley has insisted that the club have not abandoned hope of keeping Alex Scott despite the midfielder rejecting a lucrative new contract.
The 23-year-old England international continues to attract interest from several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, following his impressive performances on the south coast.
Bournemouth rejected a £64 million offer from Chelsea during the summer transfer window, while Scott has since turned down an extension that would make him the club’s highest-paid player.
However, Foley remains determined to convince the former Bristol City midfielder that his long-term future belongs at the Vitality Stadium.
Speaking to talkSPORT ahead of Bournemouth’s Europa League meeting with AC Milan, the American billionaire expressed confidence in the club’s ability to retain its leading players.
“At this point, we’re convinced we’re the right place for Alex to be and to stay, and we’ll keep on addressing the contract issues with Alex as we move through this year,” Foley said. “We’d love to have Alex stay here and sign a new contract and be part of this team for the long haul.”
Foley acknowledged that Bournemouth face considerable competition from wealthier clubs, with Scott potentially attracting further offers during the January transfer window.
“We haven’t given up, but sometimes players get stars in their eyes, and they think that Chelsea or Manchester City is the right place to go,” he added.
The Bournemouth owner believes continued investment in infrastructure and improved wages could eventually persuade ambitious players to remain at the club.
He also suggested that six-figure weekly salaries should become increasingly common as Bournemouth seek to establish themselves among England’s leading teams.
Scott joined the Cherries from Bristol City in August 2023 and has since developed into one of their most influential midfielders.
His progress has reportedly attracted Arsenal’s attention, with the Gunners previously linked with the England international as they continue monitoring emerging Premier League talent.
However, Chelsea and Liverpool are understood to retain particularly strong interest, potentially complicating Bournemouth’s attempts to secure a renewal.
Foley also outlined his ambition to bring Champions League football to the Vitality Stadium and challenge for major silverware.
He believes Bournemouth’s development under manager Marco Rose could strengthen their position when negotiating with sought-after players.
Nevertheless, Scott’s refusal to commit to fresh terms leaves his future unresolved, with Bournemouth facing another potential test of their resolve when the transfer window reopens.