Judging from the recent reports, it looks like Chelsea are looking to revamp their midfield department in the summer. That is interesting, considering it looks like their strongest position on paper. The Blues have Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Dario Essugo, Andrey Santos and Romeo Lavia. There are serious question marks over the Argentine’s long-term future at Stamford Bridge though. On the other hand, the Belgian international has dealt with one injury after another since joining the Blues in 2023.
So, it is understandable why Chelsea might be looking to add to their options in the middle of the park. In fact, it appears it is a particular profile that they are seeking at the moment.
It looks like Chelsea have been looking for someone capable of playing in defensive midfield or in the number 8 role for a little while. They have been linked with Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.
It could take a transfer fee close to £100 million to sign either of those two though. And now, Chelsea seem to have set their sights on a Bournemouth midfielder.
Chelsea eyeing Bournemouth midfielder it will take more than £50 million to sign
According to The Independent, Chelsea have accelerated interest in Alex Scott. Bournemouth would want well over £50 million for the English midfielder. The Blues are keen on him.
Of course, Chelsea are not the only club showing an interest in Scott, who has been one of the breakout midfielders in the Premier League this season. Tottenham Hotspur are another club seemingly keeping a close eye on him.
Tottenham Hotspur have bigger things to worry about right now though. Spurs are currently 18th in the Premier League table, they are on their third manager of the season and have not won a game in months. Relegation is a very real possibility.
What does the data say about Alex Scott?
With four goals and an assist to his name, Scott is not coming in and making a difference going forward. Of course, Chelsea do need help there, having failed to score in three consecutive Premier League games.
It is on the defensive side of things that someone like Scott signs. And of course, the Blues need help there too. He is in the 95th percentile for clearances, 93rd percentile for defensive contributions and 92nd percentile for recoveries. He is also in the 90th percentile for interceptions and blocked shots.
One needs to recognise Bournemouth’s recruitment department as well. Dean Huijsen is now at Real Madrid. Antoine Semenyo at Man City. Ilya Zabarnyi at PSG. Milos Kerkez at Liverpool. Scott could be one of the next in line for a big transfer. Compare it with how Chelsea have done in the transfer market in recent times, and it is night and day.
Of course, at 22 years of age, you would expect Scott to get better with time. So, it is not hard to see why Chelsea want him. But is he going to be a game-changer of a signing immediately? Probably not.
