Arsenal's search for a new central midfielder has hit an early obstacle after Bournemouth rejected an enquiry for Alex Scott and insisted the 22-year-old is not for sale this summer. The Premier League champions had identified the former Bristol City player as one of their targets, but the Cherries have communicated their intention to keep him and are keen to agree an extension to his current contract, which has two years left to run.
Scott, who was selected in his first England squad last November and then called into Thomas Tuchel's extended pre-World Cup training camp in Florida, is also attracting serious interest from Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea. But Bournemouth's stance leaves Arsenal exploring other options in midfield, with Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes considered a more likely target than teammate Sandro Tonali, whose price is a stumbling block. North London rivals Tottenham are advancing in their efforts for Tonali and growing in confidence of securing a move for the Italy midfielder. West Ham's Mateus Fernandes and Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi have also been monitored by Arsenal.
“Arsenal's move for Alex Scott rejected; Barcola targeted; Man Utd eye Summerville after World Cup exit.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal are expected to step up their interest in Paris St-Germain forward Bradley Barcola this week after receiving encouragement that the 23-year-old could be available this summer. Representatives of Arsenal, who have been tracking Barcola for some time, intend to watch him again in France's World Cup last-32 match against Sweden on Tuesday night. Barcola is viewed as a strong alternative to Morgan Rogers, but Aston Villa value the 23-year-old England forward at £130m, which is a stumbling block. RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande's protracted move to PSG might have implications for Barcola's future. Barcola's current deal with the Champions League holders expires in 2028, meaning any move for the winger would cost significantly less than Rogers, whose Villa contract runs until 2031. If PSG are willing to listen to offers, Arsenal will be among the clubs keen, with Liverpool also believed to be tracking him.
Arsenal also have a strong interest in Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier. There is doubt over current second-choice keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga's future heading into next season, resulting in Arsenal exploring the market for a replacement. Meslier, 26, has lost his place as number one at Leeds and is out of contract this summer, available on a free transfer.
Elsewhere, Manchester United's pursuit of West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville has been handed a boost following the Netherlands' World Cup exit. The 24-year-old squandered his spot-kick in the penalty shootout as the Dutch crashed out to Morocco in the round of 32. Summerville is among several Hammers players linked with a summer exit after the club's relegation to the Championship. United are monitoring his situation. Summerville, who made his international debut earlier this month, featured in all four of the Netherlands' tournament outings, netting twice and contributing two assists. West Ham have maintained they are under no pressure to sell, and the former Leeds winger has three years remaining on his contract, valued at £50m. United face competition from Paris Saint-Germain and numerous other clubs. The left-hand side of the pitch is an area manager Michael Carrick may seek to strengthen, with doubt surrounding Marcus Rashford's future also influencing plans.