Arsenal head into the new season after enjoying a historic 2025-26 campaign. Mikel Arteta guided the Gunners to their first Premier League title in 22 years.
They also reached the UEFA Champions League final before losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.
The North London club has already turned its attention to the summer transfer window. Arsenal agreed personal terms with Manu Koné and continue searching for further reinforcements.
Strengthening the midfield remains one of the club’s main priorities before the new campaign.
The Gunners have explored several options as they look to add more quality in the middle of the park. However, not every move has gone according to plan.
According to the Daily Mail, Bournemouth have rejected Arsenal’s first approach for Alex Scott. The south coast club insist the midfielder is not for sale and plan to offer him a new contract instead.
The report adds that Arsenal have already seen an offer rejected for Bruno Guimaraes and still intend to return with another bid. Sandro Tonali also features on their shortlist.
However, Tottenham Hotspur are pushing to convince the Italian to join them.
West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes and Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi have also been discussed by Arsenal.
However, both players have attracted strong interest from other clubs. Manchester United and Tottenham remain the leading contenders for Fernandes, according to the report.
Interest in Scott extends beyond Arsenal. Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are also monitoring the 22-year-old.
Bournemouth reportedly value him at close to £80 million, underlining their determination to keep hold of one of their most important players.
Arsenal’s pursuit of midfield reinforcements will now continue elsewhere. The Gunners have several names under consideration.
But Bournemouth’s swift response makes it clear that signing Scott will not be straightforward this summer.
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