Chelsea ready improved £90m bid for Alex Scott as Fernandez edges closer to City exit

Chelsea are set to return with an improved offer for Bournemouth’s Alex Scott as Enzo Fernandez moves closer to a transfer to Manchester City ahead of Tuesday’s window deadline.

Bournemouth have so far rebuffed all interest in the 23-year-old, but there is a belief within the game that a bid in excess of £80m — and likely closer to £90m — could prompt the south-coast club to reconsider their stance. Scott enjoyed a breakthrough Premier League campaign last season and has recently trained with England at their camp in Florida in preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

Fernandez’s potential exit has been building for some time. Chelsea set an informal deadline for the Argentina international to move nearly a fortnight ago, though that date passed without a formal offer from City. The expectation remains that a deal could still be concluded before the window closes.

Liverpool have also registered interest in Scott, but are not thought to have the budget to strengthen in midfield during this window, with other positions taking priority in their recruitment plans.

Elsewhere, Aston Villa remain in discussions with Chelsea over a deal for striker Nicolas Jackson as they look to add a new forward before the deadline.