Alex Scott to Chelsea: Alonso receives €120m transfer approval

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has approved Chelsea’s bid to sign Alex Scott by heaping praise on the Bournemouth star.

Scott has been earmarked as Chelsea’s primary target ahead of the January transfer window, and it’s understood that Xabi Alonso’s side are set to submit a formal offer for his signature amid their pursuit of a new central midfielder to partner Moises Caicedo.

The Blues were eager to sign Scott over the summer, but they saw several offers rebuffed by Bournemouth, who remain reluctant to sanction a sale in January, despite the fact the 23-year-old’s contract is due to expire in 2028.

Scott, who is expected to cost €120 million next year, has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League for the past 12 months and after earning his first England cap versus Czechia in September, he subsequently played a starring role during the Three Lions’ historic 7-0 away win over Croatia.

Due to injury, the Bournemouth star was ruled out of the England squad for their November internationals against Croatia and Spain, however the aforementioned Rice is fully aware that his place in Thomas Tuchel’s preferred starting XI is no longer guaranteed.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the clash with Spain, Rice was asked about the increased competition for places he now faces for both club and country.

“To be honest, Alex Scott playing was incredible. The way he's been playing for Bournemouth the last two or three seasons has been remarkable,” Rice admitted (via The Mirror).

“The way he's being spoken about is totally right because of the levels he's set for himself and I totally understand playing for England comes with competition.

“When we signed Bruno Guimaraes, when we signed [Martin] Zubimendi, when we had Myles [Lewis-Skelly], [Mikel] Merino, [Martin] Odegaard, you're competing with six midfielders at your club every day so for me there's nothing different throughout my whole career there's been competition. It's normal.”

With Rice evidently a huge admirer of Scott, it should give Chelsea even more confidence that he is the right signing to bolster their midfield unit in January.

Meanwhile, Rice has pledged his allegiance to Arsenal by confirming that he is likely to put pen to paper on fresh terms shortly.

“I've been extremely lucky that I've managed to play at such a consistent level throughout my career,” the England midfielder told reporters.

“I'm a player that always sets myself targets, always pushes for more. I've always been stable in the clubs I'm at. New contract hopefully on the horizon soon.

“I'm extremely lucky I'm at a club like Arsenal where the manager shows me so much trust, I've so many teammates who put so much energy and effort into me. I'm extremely lucky that I don't have to worry about that stuff. It makes playing football a lot easier.”

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