Arsenal given Alex Scott warning amid transfer battle with Chelsea

Arsenal have been warned that Bournemouth will likely increase their asking price for Alex Scott following his breakthrough with England.

The 23-year-old has enhanced his burgeoning reputation by starring for the Three Lions in their Nations League wins over Czechia and Croatia.

Scott made his senior England debut as a second-half substitute against Czechia before making his first start in the clash with Croatia.

And Arsenal will have been paying close attention as The Telegraph understands they hold a genuine interest in signing the midfielder.

However, Gunners legend Martin Keown believes Bournemouth will likely demand more money for Scott now that he is an England international.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein previously reported it could take at least €117million (£100m) to prize Scott away from Bournemouth.

Keown told talkSPORT: “When he plays for England, doesn’t that put the transfer fee up? Doesn’t that put his value up?”

Bournemouth unhappy with how England handled Scott

Scott has withdrawn from the England squad to face Czechia at Wembley Stadium this evening after aggravating a thigh injury against Croatia on Saturday.

He is expected to miss the next eight weeks with the issue, with Bournemouth angry over the way he has been managed by England.

Scott is regarded as one of the best young players in the Premier League having sparkled for the Cherries in recent seasons.

The former Bristol City man played a crucial role in them qualifying for this season’s Europa League by finishing sixth in 2025-26.

Chelsea 'leading the race' to sign Scott

While Arsenal are keen on Scott, The Telegraph claims Chelsea are currently leading the race for his signature, with Liverpool also interested.

The Blues are looking to sign a midfielder to replace Enzo Fernandez, who joined Manchester City for €145m (£125m) on transfer deadline day in September.

Chelsea, who missed out on securing a replacement for Fernandez last month, had a €75.3m (£64m) bid rejected by Bournemouth for Scott in the summer.

BBC Sport claims Bournemouth will not sanction his sale in January, despite Scott turning down two offers to extend his contract, which expires in 2028.

He joined the south-coast club from Bristol City in August 2023 and has made 95 appearances, recording seven goals and as many assists.