Arsenal's approach for £80m Alex Scott rejected as Bournemouth insist midfielder is not for sale

Arsenal’s attempt to open talks over Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott has been rebuffed, with the south-coast club insisting the England international is not for sale and intending to tie him down to a new contract, according to the Daily Mail.

Arsenal did not submit a formal bid but made their interest known as Mikel Arteta’s side seek midfield reinforcements ahead of a Premier League title defence. Scott, 22, is valued at close to £80m, and Bournemouth’s resolve to keep him is strengthened by their historic qualification for the Europa League — the club’s first appearance in European competition.

The Gunners are not short of alternatives. Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali has been identified as a target, though Arsenal face a direct challenge from north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur for the Italy international’s signature. Lille’s teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is another name under consideration, with several clubs across Europe tracking the highly-rated prospect.

Relgated West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes also features on Arsenal’s shortlist, though Manchester United and Tottenham are currently considered the frontrunners for the Portuguese midfielder. Chelsea have also been credited with interest in both Fernandes and Scott, underlining the level of competition Arsenal face in the transfer market this summer.

With Bournemouth firmly closing the door on Scott for now, Arsenal’s recruitment team will need to pursue their other options if they are to add the midfield depth Arteta is seeking before the new season.