Alonso in dreamland as Chelsea handed £20m discount on priority target

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Bournemouth will reportedly consider an offer in excess of £80 million for Alex Scott during the upcoming January transfer window amid significant interest from Chelsea.

Xabi Alonso’s side failed with three separate bids for the 23-year-old before Transfer Deadline Day in September and it was initially reported that a potential deal would have to wait until next summer due to Bournemouth’s reluctance to sanction a sale.

However, the Cherries have now relaxed their stance following lengthy talks with Scott’s representatives and they are now amenable to a January transfer.

Bournemouth were eager to tie Scott down to a new contract in order to retain his services until at least next summer, but the England star has rejected the chance to become their highest-paid player of all time and is instead set to pursue a transfer in 2027.

A January deal is now on the cards, with BBC Sport claiming that Bournemouth are willing to sell the midfielder for a fee of around £100m.

However, Sky Sports report that an offer in excess of £80m will be seriously considered by Marco Rose’s side, largely due to the fact his current contract is due to expire in 2028, with Chelsea therefore handed a £20m discount on the midfielder.

The Blues are considered to be the frontrunners for Scott’s signature and it’s understood they will seriously pursue a deal when the winter window opens, with Liverpool potentially set to challenge for the Englishman’s signature too.

Thomas Tuchel approval

Scott has firmly been earmarked as Chelsea’s primary transfer target for 2027 and they received a glowing report on the 23-year-old from former boss Thomas Tuchel during the recent international break.

When asked about Scott, who made his senior England debut against Czechia before starring in the 7-0 win over Croatia, Three Lions manager Tuchel told reporters: “First start and what a start. What a performance.

“He’s just so smooth at the moment on the ball, decision-making is on the highest level, he plays with so much confidence. He’s so active, so confident and the work-rate off the ball, he’s the complete package at the moment.

“He gave us today a lot of mobility, a lot of variety and a lot of work-rate in the centre of the pitch, together with Elliot.”

Scott, who is currently sidelined with a thigh injury he picked up on England duty, has made 95 appearances since his arrival at Bournemouth, and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at a career high of €55.8m.