Chelsea have suffered a major blow in their pursuit of Alex Scott after Bournemouth publicly ruled out selling the midfielder before the transfer deadline.
Scott has been one of the Blues’ leading midfield targets as uncertainty continues around Enzo Fernandez, with Chelsea previously prepared to spend heavily on the 22-year-old.
ReadChelsea reported earlier this week that Chelsea could return with an £85million move for Scott if Fernandez leaves.
That route now appears to have been firmly closed.
Bournemouth shut door on Chelsea move for Alex Scott
Bournemouth president of football operations Tiago Pinto delivered an emphatic message on Friday when discussing the club’s plans before Tuesday’s deadline.
“We are done. No one is leaving. No one is coming.”
Manager Marco Rose has been equally firm.
Asked whether Scott would remain at Bournemouth, Rose said he was not simply confident but “120 per cent” sure the England midfielder would stay.
The stance represents significant progression from Chelsea’s previous attempts to sign Scott.
Bournemouth had already rejected approaches from the Blues, including a bid worth around £64m, but Chelsea continued to view him as a potential option should Fernandez leave Stamford Bridge.
The Cherries have now moved from rejecting individual offers to publicly ruling out any further business.
That makes a late Chelsea move increasingly difficult.
Chelsea midfield options narrow as Enzo uncertainty continues
Scott’s apparent unavailability increases the significance of Chelsea’s pursuit of Lamine Camara.
The Blues have held discussions with Monaco over a potential £55m move for Camara, with the Senegal international emerging as another possible midfield addition.
Chelsea’s planning remains linked to Fernandez.
Manchester City continue to consider a move for the Argentina international, while Chelsea are prepared to sell for the right price if Xabi Alonso’s squad can be strengthened.
Alonso has also increased the uncertainty surrounding Fernandez after questioning the midfielder’s energy and desire following his omission against Luton.
With Scott now effectively taken off the market, Chelsea may have to focus their attention elsewhere if City turn their interest in Fernandez into a formal bid.
