AFC Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott - who trained with England prior to this summer's FIFA World Cup - continues to attract Chelsea's attention in the final fortnight of the transfer window, though a move is only likely to materialize should Enzo Fernandez exit Stamford Bridge.
The Blues had a £64 million ($86.7 million) bid rejected by the Cherries for Scott last month, with sources firmly stating that the highly coveted midfielder is not available for transfer this summer. Bournemouth insiders declined to place any valuation on the 22-year-old, reflecting their uncompromising stance.
Scott reportedly turned down a contract extension at the Vitality Stadium amid widespread interest from several of the so-called 'big six' clubs. However, Bournemouth remain resolute in their intention to retain the midfielder until at least January, as per football.london.
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Chelsea are only expected to pursue Scott — one of several central midfield targets on the West London club's shortlist — if Fernandez exits within the coming weeks. With the September 1 deadline fast approaching, Fernandez's future continues to hang in the balance.
The Blues issued Manchester City, considered the frontrunners for his signature at the time of writing, an unofficial deadline last week. Chelsea informed City they could acquire Fernandez for £120 million ($162.6 million), but only until Friday at 5pm local time.
The West Londoners received no formal offers before that cutoff. Nevertheless, City's pursuit of the 25-year-old remains very much alive, with strong signals emerging from the Etihad Stadium indicating they will push to test Chelsea's resolve.
The Blues' deadline is understood to have been tied to the £120 million asking price, which has since been taken off the table according to sources.
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Chelsea insiders remain unfazed by the situation and would be perfectly content retaining Fernandez for another season. Xabi Alonso has publicly gone on record, confirming he wants the Argentina international in his squad for his debut season in the capital.
Fernandez made his return to Stamford Bridge over the weekend and was met with jeers from a section of the home support. Other fans countered by cheering him and chanting his name, creating a divided atmosphere across SW6.
While it remains uncertain whether Chelsea will still be Fernandez's club when next month arrives, one thing appears clear — the Blues will move to replace the midfielder should he ultimately depart.
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