Chelsea leading January race for Premier League player after failed pursuit in summer window

Chelsea’s interest in Alex Scott has not disappeared after their unsuccessful summer pursuit, with the Bournemouth midfielder once again emerging as a player to watch ahead of January.

The Blues pushed hard for Scott before the deadline but were repeatedly turned away.

That has not changed their admiration for the 23-year-old, whose reputation has continued to grow after earning another England call-up this month.

Chelsea ahead of other clubs in Alex Scott race

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are expected to be at the front of the queue if Bournemouth soften their stance and make Scott available during the winter window.

This would effectively be a continuation of unfinished summer business. Bournemouth rejected a £64m bid from Chelsea in July, making it clear at the time that they did not want to sell. Scott had also rejected several offers of a new contract despite having two years remaining on his existing deal.

Chelsea later made further attempts to strike a deal, with reports stating that three bids were rejected before the window closed.

Scott has responded to that uncertainty by remaining important for Bournemouth. He has started regularly this season and has already scored in the Premier League, while his performances earned him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad for the Nations League fixtures against Spain, Croatia and Czechia.

His appeal to Chelsea is easy to understand. Xabi Alonso lost Enzo Fernández to Manchester City late in the summer window, leaving the Blues short of established midfield options, particularly when Moisés Caicedo has been unavailable.