The Chelsea midfield options can be considered a little slim at the moment.
With Moises Caicedo and Reece James both currently injured for Chelsea, and with the sale of Enzo Fernandez on Deadline Day to Manchester City, with the club unable to sign a replacement in the little time that remained of the summer transfer window.
But it wasn't that Chelsea didn't try to sign a midfielder; their main priority throughout the window was someone who could accompany Caicedo in the middle of the park, and not have to over-rely on Romeo Lavia, who has had a torrid time with injuries since he joined the club.
Adam Wharton, Lamine Camara, and Manu Kone are just a few of the names that Chelsea tried to bring to Stamford Bridge, but for whatever reason didn't join the club, with Camara the most likely to sign, but the deal fell through in the closing stages.
There was another name that was floating around that Chelsea were linked with, not very closely, but were still interested enough to put a hefty bid in for him. Bournemouth's Alex Scott could be the problem solver for Xabi Alonso's side, and the Blues are looking likely to be going after the England international in the January window, with a reported £100 million bid coming in from Chelsea to sign the midfielder.
The ex Bristol City man has impressed on the south coast since joining Bournemouth in 2024, and has just been announced in Thomas Tuchel's most recent England squad, after impressing for his club side throughout last season, and the early part of this one.
Reports came out throughout the transfer window and even after it closed about Chelsea's progress to try to sign the 21-year-old, with David Ornstein saying on TNT Sports' coverage of Newcastle vs Bournemouth earlier this month that Scott was closely monitored by Chelsea but Bournemouth weren't willing to accept an offer.
"“Alex Scott was the main target of Chelsea. They did go really strongly for him. But these players weren’t for sale. They’re in a really good financial position after recent sales… it was a club decision, you can offer as high as you want but it’s not going to happen.”"
Not only will Scott bring some much-needed midfield depth, but his ability has also been on display for all to see over the last 12 months.
The midfielder brings good control, which should suit the style of football Xabi Alonso wants his side to play. He's also comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and has the ability to escape tight spaces when opponents press Chelsea's midfield. That composure could be particularly valuable. Chelsea have lacked control at times this season, especially with Moises Caicedo unavailable.
The Alex Scott saga will definitely be one to follow over the coming months, not only as a Chelsea fan, but as a football fan, as one of England's bright new stars could be securing a big money move amid new contract speculation.
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