Bournemouth sporting director Tiago Pinto has told Chelsea and any other interested clubs that midfielder Alex Scott will not leave the club during the current transfer window.
The firm stance comes with the summer transfer deadline approaching next Tuesday. Chelsea had identified the 23-year-old as a potential alternative to Argentina international Enzo Fernandez, with a deal for Scott reportedly valued at about £80m.
Pinto delivered his message while in Monaco for the Europa League draw, according to the British newspaper The Sun, making clear that Bournemouth do not expect any further movement in their squad before the deadline.
“We are completely done with the transfer market. Nobody will leave and we will not sign anyone new, it is over for us,” said Pinto.
Scott’s future is also understood to be supported by Bournemouth’s new manager, Marco Rose, who wants the midfielder to remain at the club. Pinto said his position had the full backing of both Rose and Bournemouth owner Bill Foley.
The sporting director explained that Bournemouth had deliberately completed their transfer business early, allowing the club to focus on a season that will include European football.
“Over the past 24 hours, I have felt like the most relaxed sporting director in Monaco because, while all my colleagues have been busy making phone calls and moving around to complete deals, it was very important for me to get our work done early in the market,” Pinto said.
“Everyone here understands that this season requires us to stand together because we are competing in European competitions, and next summer we will be here again.”
Pinto also described Foley’s approach to the squad, saying the owner is strongly opposed to selling Bournemouth’s leading players and would prefer to keep them permanently.
“The worst thing you can say to Bill Foley is that we are going to sell players; he does not like selling the team’s stars and he really wants to keep them forever,” Pinto added.
The midfielder’s continued presence is particularly important to Bournemouth as they prepare for a campaign involving European competition. Pinto said the club’s early transfer planning had left Foley satisfied with the make-up of the squad.
“He is very happy this summer because every time he calls me, he asks: ‘Are you sure we are not going to sell anyone?’ So he is extremely happy to keep all the players in the squad,” Pinto said.
Bournemouth’s position leaves Chelsea needing to look elsewhere if they decide to pursue another option in midfield before the transfer window closes. For now, Pinto’s message is that Scott is not available and that the club’s squad is settled.
