Chelsea receive official Alex Scott message which may decide Enzo Fernandez future

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Bournemouth boss Marco Rose has said he is “120 per cent” certain that Alex Scott will not be sold this summer, amid strong interest from Chelsea.

The Blues have made Scott their top target as they look to strengthen their midfield options before the transfer window closes in England next Tuesday.

Chelsea have had three offers rejected by Bournemouth for the 23-year-old, according to The i Paper, ranging from €72million to €79m (£62m to £68m).

The Cherries have been firm in their stance that Scott will remain on the south coast - a position which manager Rose has now doubled down on.

In quotes carried by Bournemouth Daily Echo’s Alexander Smith, Rose told reporters he was “not just confident, I'm sure” Scott would stay at the club.

And when asked again if he was 100 per cent certain the midfielder would not be on the move, the German replied that he was “120 per cent” sure.

Bournemouth stance could lead to Fernandez staying at Chelsea

The news could have huge ramifications for the future of Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez, with Manchester City preparing a bid for the Argentina international.

David Ornstein reported last Sunday that the Stamford Bridge club are unlikely to sanction Fernandez’s departure unless they source a replacement first.

Chelsea had set an unofficial deadline for interested parties to sign Fernandez for €140m (£120m) earlier this month - yet Man City allowed that window to pass.

However, The Athletic’s Sam Lee expected “a deal to develop” in the next “24 to 48 hours” between City and Chelsea - but that was before Rose’s comments on Scott.

Maresca and Fernandez worked together at Chelsea and are said to enjoy a strong relationship, hence City’s interest in signing the midfielder.

The 10-time league champions are in the process of rebuilding their midfield following the sales of Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez this summer.

City want Fernandez to form a mouth-watering midfield trio alongside Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi, who have arrived from Nottingham Forest and Lille respectively.

Fernandez has become one of the best midfielders in the Premier League since joining Chelsea from Portuguese giants Benfica in January 2023.

He has registered 30 goals and 31 assists in 170 games for Chelsea, winning the Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup double under Maresca in 2025.

Fernandez has also scored eight goals in 49 caps for Argentina, with whom he won the World Cup at Qatar 2022. He also helped them reach this summer’s showpiece in North America.

Scott has earned admirers after sparkling for Bournemouth

Scott meanwhile is also developing a reputation as one of the best midfielders in England after helping Bournemouth qualify for the Europa League by finishing sixth last season.

Despite Bournemouth insisting Scott will not be allowed to leave, the former Bristol City man has reportedly turned down multiple contract offers from the club.

The former England Under-21 international, who has also been linked with Manchester United and Arsenal this summer, is tied to the Vitality Stadium until June 2028.

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