Arsenal and Manchester United target Alex Scott has turned down the offer of a new contract at Bournemouth, talkSPORT understands.
Bournemouth’s stance remains that they expect him to be their player next season even without signing a new deal.
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The Cherries previously rebuffed an approach from Arsenal in June.
talkSPORT also understands Bournemouth rejected an enquiry from Chelsea for the midfielder.
Scott, who joined the Cherries from Bristol City in 2023, has two years to run on his current contract.
The 22-year-old’s stock has considerably risen after he played a key role in helping Bournemouth finish sixth in the Premier League last term, which earned them qualification for the Europa League.
His performances prompted England manager Thomas Tuchel to extend an invitation to the Three Lions’ pre-World Cup training camp in Florida.
Scott isn’t the only Bournemouth star eyed up by the Premier League’s big boys, with winger Eli Junior Kroupi also of interest.
However, similarly to their stance on Scott, the Cherries have informed rivals Kroupi is not for sale either.
Losing either Scott or Kroupi would be a major blow for new manager Marco Rose in his first season at the Vitality Stadium after he replaced Andoni Iraola, who exited at the end of his contract.
Who else is on Arsenal’s radar?
With Bournemouth determined to hold on to Scott, Arsenal may shift their attention back to Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
talkSPORT understands the Gunners are expected to lodge another bid for the Magpies skipper having had a £55m offer rejected in June.
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It is also understood Guimaraes has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal, meaning the two clubs now need to agree on a price for the deal to progress.
Arsenal have already swung big and missed in this transfer window, with Chelsea swooping in to sign Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers for £117m.
Rogers was the Gunners’ top target but they were only prepared to fork out as much as £80m, opening the door for the Blues to complete a deal.
United has already taken steps to improve their midfield, landing Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa after they triggered his £35m release clause.
The Red Devils also signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50m.
United was desperate to revamp their midfield following the departure of Casemiro at the end of last season.