Arsenal hold talks to sign £80m star who’s “always been a Spurs fan”

Arsenal have now held talks to sign Alex Scott, amid a new update on his future at AFC Bournemouth.

The Gunners are looking to sign a new midfielder this summer, with Graeme Souness recently suggesting they may need to bring in a player more proficient in possession of the ball than Declan Rice.

The ex-Scotland international said: “Rice, for me, is limited. You hear people talk about Rice as a world-class footballer. I think he might be a centre-half. There is nothing to dislike about his attitude to the game and his athleticism. There is nothing to dislike about his commitment from the first minute to the last.

“My criticism is: he doesn’t have enough football in him. You talk about ‘look how he runs with the ball.’ As a centre midfield player that’s what you shouldn’t do. The reason people run with the ball is because they don’t see the picture quickly enough.”

In fairness, it may be a little unfair to judge the England international based on his performances at the World Cup, given the amount of football he’s played since the beginning of last season.

However, Scott could still be a solid option for Mikel Arteta, in light of the show he put on at the Emirates Stadium in April, recording a 91% pass-completion rate, making one key pass, and scoring a late winner as his side ran out surprise 2-1 winners.

At 22-years-old, the young midfielder is still learning his trade, but he was a key player for the Cherries last season, making 37 Premier League appearances, during which time he picked up three goals and one assist.

Arsenal hold talks to sign Alex Scott

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Arsenal, and thus Andrea Berta, have made enquiries regarding a deal for Scott this summer, and he has now rejected a contract extension at Bournemouth.

The Englishman’s current deal is set to expire in 2028, but the Europa League side are still unwilling to cash-in, and have set a £80m asking price.

The Cherries are prepared to keep hold of the former Bristol City man even if he doesn’t sign a new contract, but he is now attracting major interest from some top Premier League clubs, with Manchester City and Manchester United also keen.

With Tottenham Hotspur signing Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes in big-money deals, a move to N17 may not be on the cards this summer, but the Guernsey-born midfielder has admitted he’s a supporter, saying: “I’ve always been a Spurs fan.”

It remains to be seen whether Scott is willing to sign for his boyhood club’s bitter rivals, and Arteta’s side have some alternative options in mind, including Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes, who is keen to make the move to the Emirates Stadium.