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Bournemouth and England midfielder Alex Scott remains a priority for Chelsea ahead of the January window, but if Chelsea are to get him, they may have to make an unexpected sacrifice.
Marco Rose remains desperate to keep Scott at Bournemouth. The England star, who is currently injured with a quadriceps issue, is expected to cost Chelsea or any other interested parties a huge £100m fee.
Chelsea are leading the race, though Liverpool continue to be strongly linked with a reunion between Scott and Andoni Iraola. But reports say Scott is keen to play alongside Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer.
But if Chelsea are to sign Scott in the January window, it may come at a price. A report from TeamTalk says that one of Bournemouth’s potential replacements for Scott is Boca Juniors ace Tomas Aranda.
Over in Argentina, Aranda has an enormous reputation. Playing as a no.8, in attacking midfield or out wide, Aranda has already won an Argentina cap and Lionel Scaloni has likened him to Lionel Messi.
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The 19-year-old has been impressive in a blue and yellow shirt of late, and Chelsea were expected to make a move for Aranda. His release clause next summer is believed to be around £18.75m in January.
But TeamTalk say Bournemouth are looking at Aranda as a replacement for Scott. If Chelsea are to get their priority signing through the door, then they may have to surrender Aranda to Bournemouth.
The report also indicates that Bournemouth are willing to give Scott the choice of his next club, as long as the price tag is met. Both Liverpool and Chelsea have shown they are capable of £100m+ signings.
Whether Chelsea can outdo the possibility of a reunion between Scott and Iraola remains to be seen, but they are certainly pushing harder for Scott as things stand. Geography may come into Scott’s thinking.
The midfielder originates from Guernsey, having to travel lots just to be a part of Southampton’s academy as a teenager. Staying towards the south of the country could see Scott choose Chelsea over Liverpool.
As things stand, it remains hypothetical and indeed, Bournemouth may decide to play the stubborn route and keep him until the end of the season. But with Scott injured, his value is dwindling while sidelined.