Chelsea prepare second Alex Scott bid as £120m Enzo Fernandez exit to City edges closer

Chelsea are preparing a second bid for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott as the club moves to secure a replacement for Enzo Fernandez, with Manchester City now believed to be ready to meet Chelsea’s £120m valuation of the Argentina international.

Bournemouth have already rejected a £64m offer for Scott earlier in the transfer window and insist the 23-year-old is not for sale. The south-coast club have publicly stated they will make no further sales this summer, a position they are reluctant to reverse for a single player, partly to avoid a backlash from the rest of their squad. Despite that firm stance, Chelsea view Scott as their number one midfield target and are prepared to make one final push to prise him away.

Chelsea have also explored a move for Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga, but Scott has been their preferred option throughout the summer. The former Bristol City academy product has previously declined a new contract at Bournemouth, signalling his openness to a move, and he was included in England’s pre-World Cup training camp in the United States. He is widely regarded as one of the most promising young midfielders in English football.

On the outgoing side, Fernandez is understood to be keen on a reunion with Enzo Maresca, the manager he worked under at Stamford Bridge. City are lining up a late approach and are prepared to meet Chelsea’s £120m asking price. Chelsea have made clear they will not sanction the sale until a suitable replacement is in place, making the Scott pursuit central to the entire deal moving forward.

Separately, Chelsea are also in discussions over a cut-price move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The World Cup-winning keeper has been offered to the club, and Villa are reportedly willing to let him leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with Martinez himself open to the switch.