Xabi Alonso handed £64m transfer blow for Adam Wharton alternative after Chelsea bid rejected

The latest transfer news coming out of Stamford Bridge with Chelsea continuing their pursuit of a central midfielder after missing out on Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka

Chelsea have seen a £64million offer for Alex Scott knocked down with Bournemouth insistent the midfielder is not for sale this summer.

The Blues are seriously interested in the 22-year-old, who enjoyed a wonderful 2025/26 season for the Cherries. Chelsea are not the only club with an interest in Scott – as sources close to Bournemouth say there is also appreciation from Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham.

The Cherries, though, are adamant Scott is not for sale this summer and that he will be playing his football at the Vitality Stadium in the upcoming 2026/27 season whether that is on a new-and-improved contract or the existing deal. Scott is said to have turned down an extension offer from Bournemouth in recent days.

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Chelsea kept a close eye on Scott and his progress throughout last season and with the centre of midfield one of the numerous areas new manager Xabi Alonso wants to improve, the Blues offered big money to Bournemouth. However, sources close to the Cherries say even if there was an £80m offer – rumoured to be Scott’s valuation – it would be rebuffed this summer.

Alonso wanted a reunion with Granit Xhaka and Chelsea made an £8m offer to Sunderland for the 33-year-old midfielder last month, only for it to be dismissed swiftly. The Blues initially received encouragement from the Switzerland international over moving to Stamford Bridge and a second bid was being considered, but Xhaka then reaffirmed his commitment to the Black Cats and the west Londoners left negotiations.

Chelsea also hold a long-term interest in Adam Wharton, sources say, with the Crystal Palace midfielder facing an uncertain future at Selhurst Park. The Blues have watched Wharton’s development closely at their London rivals over the last couple of seasons but in this central midfielder market – that has seen Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes cost almost £100m, as well as Elliot Anderson move to Manchester City for £116m – the England international will not be cheap.

Enzo Fernandez is currently on a three-week break following his World Cup exploits with Argentina and is expected to report for pre-season training at Cobham next month. However, there is still uncertainty around his future at Stamford Bridge, though Chelsea sources say there is an expectation he will be a Blues player next season.

Real Madrid were interested in signing Fernandez earlier this summer, with Chelsea setting a £120m price tag on his head. Los Blancos, however, released a remarkable statement earlier in the month claiming they will not pursue a move for the 25-year-old Argentine this summer.