Marc Guéhi of Manchester City and Alex Scott of Bournemouth
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
Bournemouth are finally starting to pick up a bit of form this season, and they are doing it without Chelsea target Alex Scott.
Marco Rose has been without Scott since the end of the last international break, but in his absence, the Cherries have still managed to pick up wins against Manchester United and Sunderland in the Premier League. Last Thursday, they even beat AC Milan 3-0 in the Europa League.
Undoubtedly, Rose will be a happy man right now. However, his mood could quickly change once the January transfer window opens.
Photo by David Horton – CameraSport via Getty Images
Marco Rose urges Bournemouth not to sell Alex Scott in January as Chelsea circle
Chelsea are keen on signing Scott this winter, while several of their Premier League rivals have also been linked with the young midfielder. Understandably, though, Rose does not want him to depart in January.
According to TEAMtalk, Rose has asked the Bournemouth hierarchy not to sell any of his key players in the next transfer window, which includes Scott. Whether it is Scott or someone else, Chelsea are likely to bid for a new midfielder once the transfer market reopens.
They have had serious issues in midfield this season, even if there was some improvement prior to the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur over the weekend. Enzo Fernandez was never replaced, Moises Caicedo was previously injured and the team are being dominated.
Xabi Alonso’s side saw very little of the ball in their loss to Spurs despite being the home side. They finished the London derby with just 31% possession, while Tottenham had 69%.
It is no surprise that Chelsea are desperately trying to bring in a new midfielder, with Scott at the top of their list.
Why Marco Rose is fighting a losing battle
Again, it is logical that Rose wants to keep hold of Scott, who is one of the most promising young midfielders in the Premier League. However, the German is fighting a losing battle.
At one stage, Bournemouth were unprepared to sell Scott in January. But it has been widely reported that the Cherries are now open to selling Scott in a potential £100m deal.
There is a caveat, though. Reports have also claimed that Bournemouth’s willingness to sanction an exit for Scott hinges on whether they are in a relegation battle or not. If they are, Chelsea may have to wait until the summer to do business.
But Bournemouth are starting to win games again and now find themselves 13th in the Premier League. Everything is still pointing towards the 23-year-old leaving the Vitality Stadium soon. His contract expires in 2028 and there are no indications that he is willing to put pen to paper on a new one.
Right now, Scott is on everyone’s radar. He recently made his England debut, raising his profile even further. If Rose manages to keep hold of Scott this winter, that would be some achievement.