Arsenal's hopes of signing England midfielder Alex Scott have suffered an early blow, with Bournemouth firmly rejecting an approach from the Gunners and confirming the 22-year-old is not available for transfer.

According to the Daily Mail, the Cherries are not only standing firm on Scott's availability but are also preparing to offer him a new contract — a move that signals their intent to build around the midfielder following their historic qualification for the UEFA Europa League.

Arsenal's midfield hunt continues

Arsenal did not lodge a formal bid for Scott, but the club's interest reflects a broader push to strengthen their midfield options this summer as they look to defend their Premier League title. Scott, valued at close to £80 million, has also attracted attention from Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea.

Among the alternatives Arsenal are monitoring is Newcastle United's Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali — though that pursuit comes with complications, as Tottenham Hotspur are also in the race for his signature.

Relegated West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes and Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi are further names on Arsenal's radar, though both are coveted by clubs across Europe. Manchester United and Tottenham are currently considered the leading candidates for Fernandes.

With Scott seemingly off the table for now, Arsenal face a competitive summer window as they chase the midfield reinforcements needed to mount a serious title defence.