Real Madrid ready to hijack Xabi Alonso's dream Chelsea signing

4 Oct 2026 17:03 BST 2 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

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Real Madrid have reportedly joined the race to sign Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott after watching him in action during England’s 7-0 victory over Croatia on Saturday evening.

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The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a Bournemouth exit in recent months and it’s understood that he was Chelsea’s primary midfield target over the summer as they looked to find a suitable replacement for Enzo Fernandez.

However, Marco Rose’s side blocked a sale and they are expected to prevent a January transfer too, due to their Europa League aspirations, with Scott therefore likely to be on the move next summer.

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Chelsea remain the frontrunners to sign the England star, although Liverpool are set to seriously challenge for his signature as they look to significantly bolster their midfield options amid the uncertain long-term future of Argentina international Alexis Mac Allister.

Real Madrid are also interested in signing Scott and they sent club scouts to watch him in action for England on Saturday, according to TEAMtalk.

The Bournemouth star caught the eye during his 70 minutes on the pitch and Los Blancos are now discussing whether to step up their interest in his signature ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

It’s claimed that Real Madrid scouts have watched Scott at least three times this season, including during Bournemouth’s win over Real Sociedad in the Europa League, and he was the primary reason for their visit to Croatia.

© IMAGO - Real Madrid have joined the race to sign Alex Scott

Will Alex Scott leave Bournemouth in 2027?

Bournemouth blocked a possible sale over the summer and it has been widely reported they want to tie Scott down to a new long-term contract in order to ward off possible suitors ahead of next year.

However, the England midfielder has been reluctant to finalise fresh terms and it’s understood that he is open to exploring a possible transfer, with rumours indicating that he was keen to join Chelsea this summer.

Scott will have just one year remaining on his current deal at Bournemouth next summer and the Cherries will therefore likely be forced to accept a sale if he refuses to put pen to paper on a new contract.

Real Madrid already have Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham in their first-team squad, but they are still monitoring the central midfield market, having failed in their bid to sign Rodri over the summer, and Scott has now been added to their list of targets.