Premier League quartet want Scott – Sunday’s gossip

Four Premier League clubs have entered the race for Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, a 22-year-old England midfielder whose performances have drawn the attention of Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea. The quartet’s interest comes as the transfer window reopens with clubs already reshaping squads before the new season. Scott has established himself as a regular under Andoni Iraola, making 28 Premier League appearances last term, but Bournemouth are unlikely to part with a player who has become a key figure in their midfield.

Arsenal clear Trossard exit as Gunners eye left-sided options

Arsenal have agreed to sell Leandro Trossard to Beşiktaş for £17.1m, ending the Belgian’s three-year stay at the Emirates. The 31-year-old’s departure clears wage space and frees up a squad place as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options. Arsenal have been heavily linked with Morgan Rogers and Bradley Barcola, two left-sided forwards who could provide competition for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Tottenham’s £185m midfield spending has set a benchmark, but Arteta’s focus appears to be on quality rather than quantity. The Gunners’ willingness to move Trossard suggests they view him as surplus to requirements, even if his experience could have been valuable in a congested squad.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Rogers has intensified, with Aston Villa’s financial constraints potentially working in their favour. Villa have already sold Sandro Tonali to Tottenham and may need to balance their books, making a deal for the 21-year-old more plausible. Meanwhile, Barcola remains a target for Liverpool, who have reportedly shifted their focus from Yan Diomande to the French forward. Villa’s reported interest in Ezri Konsa adds further complexity to Arsenal’s left-sided recruitment, as the Gunners weigh up the relative merits of Rogers and Barcola against established options.

Real Madrid circle Mainoo as United’s midfield puzzle persists

Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, 21, remains on Real Madrid’s radar as Carlo Ancelotti looks to reinforce his midfield. The England international has impressed since breaking into Erik ten Hag’s first team, making 24 Premier League appearances last season, but United are under pressure to tie him down to a long-term deal. The Red Devils have already spent heavily on midfielders this summer, with the likes of Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee arriving, but Mainoo’s potential makes him a priority. His development will be crucial as United aim to challenge for a top-four finish next season.

United’s midfield strategy has been inconsistent, and Mainoo’s form could determine whether they finish above or below Arsenal in the table. The club’s recent signings suggest a shift towards pragmatism, but Ten Hag will need more than squad depth to turn around a side that has underperformed in key moments. Mainoo’s inclusion in Real Madrid’s plans adds another layer of complexity, though United are unlikely to entertain offers unless they are overwhelming. The Bernabéu hierarchy’s interest in the Stockport-born midfielder underscores the premium placed on technically gifted English talent.

Newcastle’s Guimarães stance complicates Arsenal’s ambitions

Arsenal’s pursuit of Bruno Guimarães has hit a snag after Newcastle United declared the Brazilian midfielder “priceless” and off the market. The Magpies have rejected verbal offers for their captain, who has been a cornerstone of Eddie Howe’s side since his £40m arrival in January 2022. Newcastle’s stance reflects their belief in Guimarães’ value, even as they explore alternatives like Felix Nmecha, whose £100m price tag may deter rivals. Stanway’s Arsenal return could provide midfield cover, but the Gunners’ title defence hinges on securing top-tier talent.

The Magpies’ reluctance to sell Guimarães underscores their ambition, though their financial prudence after selling Tonali and Anthony Gordon suggests they are not reckless. Arsenal’s history of missing out on Guimarães—first to Lyon in 2020 and now to Newcastle—raises questions about their ability to land marquee signings when rivals act decisively. With the window still open, Arteta may need to pivot to Plan B, whether that’s Rogers, Barcola, or an unexpected target. Newcastle’s willingness to offer Guimarães a new contract further complicates matters, as the Brazilian has become a symbol of the club’s resurgence under Howe.

What comes next: the domino effect of summer moves

The coming weeks will determine whether the Premier League’s biggest clubs can address their weaknesses. Arsenal’s Trossard exit is a statement of intent, but their left-sided options remain a concern. United’s focus on Mainoo highlights their long-term planning, while Newcastle’s refusal to sell Guimarães forces rivals to look elsewhere. Chelsea’s potential loss of Trevoh Chalobah to Como could weaken their defensive structure, and Roma’s pursuit of Mason Greenwood adds another twist to the striker market.

As clubs finalise their squads, the window’s early moves suggest a market driven by necessity rather than extravagance. Tottenham’s Tonali deal was a statement, but most others are calculated gambles. The next fortnight will reveal whether these clubs have made the right choices—or if they’ve left gaps that will cost them dearly next season. The race for Scott, meanwhile, could yet produce a surprise, with Chelsea’s defensive needs potentially accelerating their interest.