Liverpool and Manchester United have been told they have a free run at Alex Scott because he has no chance of getting games for Arsenal. The Gunners and United have both expressed an interest in the £80m-rated Bournemouth star, while Chelsea had an offer rejected for Scott last month.
Scott's impressive season
Scott featured in all but one of his side’s 38 Premier League games last season, scoring three goals and providing one assist as the Cherries finished sixth in the table under Andoni Iraola. Since the Spaniard moved to Anfield to replace the sacked Arne Slot, the England international has been linked with a move to Merseyside.
Limpar's warning to Arsenal
Former Arsenal star Anders Limpar believes his old club are out of the running to sign Scott because they can’t guarantee him the gametime he would want.
"I would say Arsenal will have to step out of the race to sign Alex Scott because while he is a real prospect, he isn’t going to get enough games for Arsenal this season or next season," he told SveaCasino.
"He’s a young boy who will soon play for the England national team, I’m sure, and even score goals, but if he wants to start and play games, he cannot look at Arsenal.
"Is he really going to be happy to come and sit on the bench for two years? No, I don’t think so. I think he would rather go somewhere else for the good of his career.
"It wouldn’t be good for him to go to Arsenal because they are at the stage where they are looking for world class players, the finished articles, like Vinicius Jnr and the rest of them. That could give clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United a free run on signing Scott."
Contract situation
Scott still has two years left on his contract at Bournemouth but is believed to have turned down a new contract from the club.
Smicer's backing for Iraola
Liverpool Champions League hero Vladimir Smicer last week backed new Reds boss Iraola to lure Scott to Anfield this summer.
"I think you can expect Andoni Iraola would like to take Alex Scott because he knows what he can do," he said, via Casinostugan.
"To be honest, in midfield we need a bit more spark with people who are fighting but are clever going forward, turning quickly with the ball and finding strikers.
"Of course, we expect a lot from (Florian) Wirtz to do this. But Andoni Iraola knows Alex Scott. If the price is right and he sees the possibility to strengthen the team, why not?
"Curtis Jones is linked with a few moves, and if he leaves, we need midfield press. We don't know what's happening with (Alexis) Mac Allister, he had a bit of a weak season and was not at the same level.
"(Ryan) Gravenberch had a good start, but then it was not the best. Only Szoboszlai was a top player in midfield for the whole season.
"In midfield you need competition, and Scott can be a great asset because he's only twenty-two and is playing regularly for the England youth teams.
"He's a good prospect and a local guy from the UK. These things are important. I don't know if he would love to play for Liverpool, but not many players would turn them down.
"He's got a good chance now because Andoni Iraola is the new manager. If he likes him, I think we can find the money."
