Arsenal keen on €69m Premier League star who sits on Man Utd wishlist

16 Jun 2026 13:59 BST | 5 min read

Matthew Judge | Editor

Arsenal have developed an interest in Bournemouth star Alex Scott as they look to strengthen in midfield this summer, according to The Athletic.

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The Gunners hierarchy are reportedly keen to build on last season’s Premier League title victory by backing Mikel Arteta in the transfer market.

BBC Sport understands Arsenal want to sign a right-back, a flexible midfielder and a left winger this summer.

STATS

Alex Scott

M, DM (C)

B'mouth

Alex Scott

M, DM (C)

B'mouth

39

Games
4

Goals
1

Assists

Arsenal's search for a new midfielder has led to them shortlisting West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes and Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, as per The Times.

The same outlet claims Fernandes, who is also wanted by Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, is valued at €92million (£80m).

Meanwhile Morocco star Bouaddi enhanced his burgeoning reputation with a stunning performance in his side’s 1-1 draw with Brazil at the World Cup.

However, Ligue 1 club Lille say it will take an "extraordinary" fee for them to consider selling the 18-year-old, adding €50m (£43m) is “not enough”.

As Arsenal continue to scour the market for a new midfielder, The Athletic understands they now hold an interest in Bournemouth ace Scott.

The 22-year-old has developed a reputation as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders following his impressive efforts last season.

Scott played a key role in helping Bournemouth clinch sixth and subsequent qualification for next season’s Europa League in 2025-26.

The former Bristol City man also helped the England senior squad prepare for the World Cup this summer, though he missed out on a place in Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man party.

Scott remains a key target for Manchester United, according to The Athletic, with Michael Carrick’s side keen to revamp their midfield this summer.

The same publication claims the Red Devils have made enquiries into the cost of a potential deal for Scott, who could be available for €69m (£60m).

However, The Athletic understands Bournemouth do not want to sell Scott and are keen to tie him to fresh terms with an €86m (£75m) release clause attached.

The Cherries have previous form on this front, having inserted similar clauses in the contracts of Antoine Semenyo and Dean Huijsen, who later left for Manchester City and Real Madrid respectively.

Arsenal are pushing to make 16-year-old Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga their first summer signing, according to The Times.

And BBC Sport understands Arteta’s side are also considering a move for Club Brugge’s prolific winger Christos Tzolis.

Greek international Tzolis, 24, scored 17 goals and recorded 23 assists in the Belgian Pro League last season.

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Read more about: Premier League Arsenal B'mouth Lille Man Utd PSG West Ham Alex Scott Antoine Semenyo Ayyoub Bouaddi Christos Tzolis Dean Huijsen Mateus Fernandes