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Arsenal & Manchester United interested in Bournemouth midfielder

Arsenal are one of the clubs interested in Alex Scott of Bournemouth, though the player’s current club aren’t keen to sell him this summer.

Alex Scott of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Manchester City at Vitality Stadium on May 19, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images

James Ducker reports for The Telegraph that Arsenal are interested in Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, with Manchester United also keen admirers of the former England youth midfielder.

But it seems both clubs will struggle to complete the signing this summer, as Bournemouth are keen to keep Scott around and tie him to a new long-term contract.

The 22-year-old’s current deal lasts until 2028, so Bournemouth might change their stance if he refused to extend. But the current plan is evidently to keep him around.

Alex Scott, Elliot Anderson and Jarell Quansah #26 of England inspect the pitch prior to the international friendly match between England and New Zealand at Raymond James Stadium on June 06, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images

Scott was arguably one of the closer players to making Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad, having been named on the provisional squad list before travelling to their pre-tournament training camp in Florida.

The 22-year-old was then named in the England matchday squad for a friendly against New Zealand, having also been named on the bench for a World Cup qualifier against Albania in November. But he didn’t come on for his debut on either occasion.

Given Scott was on England’s provisional squad list, and given he travelled to the United States for their pre-tournament preparations, it wasn’t impossible that a late injury could have seen him called up to the final 26.

Whilst Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri was also at the pre-World Cup camp, he wasn’t on the provisional squad list submitted to FIFA, so it was impossible for him to be promoted to the final squad for the tournament.

Ethan Nwaneri of England runs with the ball during the UEFA U21 EURO 2027 Qualifier between England and Moldova at Carrow Road on March 31
Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images

Scott could have been, but with no reported withdrawals from Tuchel’s 26-man squad, that ended up being irrelevant.

The midfielder played 39 times for Bournemouth in all competitions this season, helping them to qualify for the Europa League in 2026/27.

Bournemouth went on an 18-game Premier League unbeaten run to close out the campaign, notably winning Arsenal the league with their draw against Manchester City. Scott also scored against the Gunners in Bournemouth’s win at the Emirates Stadium in April.

It’s little surprise the top clubs are circling for Bournemouth’s best players, and this could be one to watch as the summer progresses.

Alex Scott of AFC Bournemouth celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on April 11, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
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