Chelsea made a £64 million bid for AFC Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott this summer, which was rejected, but the Blues remain interested, according to English media reports.

Alex Scott is still in contract negotiations with AFC Bournemouth, while Chelsea continue to monitor the situation.

Chelsea made a £64 million offer in July, but AFC Bournemouth rejected it. The Blues' interest in Scott remains strong.

Sources claim the 23-year-old England international has already rejected multiple contract extension offers from AFC Bournemouth, though the club continues to negotiate with Scott and his agent.

After selling Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City for £125 million on transfer deadline day, Chelsea are looking to strengthen their midfield. The Blues came close to signing Lamine Camara from Monaco in the final hours of the summer window, but the Ligue 1 club withdrew from the deal at the last moment.

This midfield shortage is why Chelsea are considering a January move. Xabi Alonso will be keen to bolster his options in the middle of the park.

AFC Bournemouth are notoriously tough negotiators. Despite Scott having two years remaining on his contract, completing a deal will be challenging for Chelsea. AFC Bournemouth hopes to reach an improved contract agreement with Scott by January.

However, AFC Bournemouth were adamant all summer that Scott would not leave, and they held firm. It seems unlikely they would agree to his departure midway through the season.

If Chelsea are serious about signing Scott—and sources insist they are—next summer may present a better opportunity. That said, Chelsea will face competition, as several other "Big Six" Premier League clubs are also interested in the England international.

Chelsea return to action after the international break on October 10, when they host AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. This is a crucial fixture for Alonso and his team, as Chelsea have failed to win their last three Premier League matches.

Scott has made an impressive start to the season, and Chelsea are acutely aware of the threat he could pose at Stamford Bridge.

Alonso hopes Moises Caicedo will be fit for AFC Bournemouth's visit. The midfielder has missed much of the season's opening due to a persistent calf injury and was not featured in Chelsea's training photos released Monday evening.

Chelsea are also awaiting updates on Reece James' fitness. The Chelsea captain missed the match against Brentford before the international break with a hamstring injury.

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