Arsenal joins battle for Bournemouth midfielder as January window looms
Three Premier League giants are targeting Alex Scott, with Brentford left back El Hadji Malick Diouf also drawing interest from Liverpool.
By Naomi Tesfaye ·
Arsenal has entered the race for AFC Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, joining Chelsea and Liverpool in a three-way contest for the 23-year-old player. According to reports from iNews, the Gunners are the most recent club to make an inquiry about Scott ahead of a potential move in the January transfer window.
Sources indicate that Bournemouth would require an offer worth approximately £80 million to begin formal negotiations for the midfielder. Scott has signaled his unwillingness to extend his stay at the Vitality Stadium, making the upcoming window a critical period for the club to secure a high transfer fee.
Liverpool is simultaneously monitoring Brentford full back El Hadji Malick Diouf, as reported by Football Insider. The Reds are seeking to reinforce their left defensive side in January due to concerns regarding the consistency of Milos Kerkez. Diouf, a 21-year-old Senegal international, is one of the options being evaluated, although persuading Brentford to release him may prove difficult.
Brentford acquired Diouf from West Ham United during the summer for a fee of around £40 million. The substantial initial investment suggests the Bees will value their assets highly as they assess the January market.
In other European movements, Napoli is tracking Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens, according to Corriere dello Sport. The 22-year-old is being considered as a loan option to bolster Napoli's forward line following a challenging start to the season. Napoli currently sits 10th in the Serie A league table, and Gittens has made only two appearances for Chelsea this term.
Barcelona is interested in FC Twente defender Ruud Nijstad, as noted by Diario Sport. Sporting director Deco has initiated work on a move for the 18-year-old, seeking a left-footed defender with strong ball-playing abilities. Twente is expected to demand a proposal worth €20 million before agreeing to a deal. Nijstad was recently called up to the Netherlands U21 squad.
PSV Eindhoven has made an inquiry for Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, according to Nicolò Schira. The 35-year-old may leave the Serie A club in the coming months, with PSV checking his status ahead of a potential approach in January. De Bruyne's current contract expires next summer, though it includes an option clause allowing Napoli to extend it by one additional year.
