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Alex Scott: Two Footballers — Arsenal Legend & Bournemouth Star

Written by Oliver WhitfieldEdited by Ingrid MalmströmFact-checked by William SøndergaardCategory: TransfersPublished July 18, 202610 min read

Search for “Alex Scott Arsenal” and you’ll find two footballers sharing the same name — and the confusion matters. One is a retired Arsenal Women legend turned broadcaster; the other is a Bournemouth midfielder who attracted Arsenal’s interest in 2024. Knowing which Alex Scott you’re reading about is essential before acting on any transfer or career news.

Full name common to: Two footballers: Alex Scott (born 1984, female) and Alex Scott (born 2003, male) · Current club (male, 2003): AFC Bournemouth (Premier League) · Current club (female, 1984): Retired; former Arsenal Women star · Kit number (male, 2003): #8 at Bournemouth (2024/25; previously #14 in 2023/24) · Notable honour (female, 1984): MBE for services to football

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Bournemouth rejected Arsenal’s enquiry for Alex Scott, calling him not for sale (BBC Sport)
  • Alex Scott (born 2003) wears number 8 at Bournemouth in the 2024/25 season (ESPN)
  • Two footballers share the name Alex Scott — one retired Arsenal Women star (born 1984), one Bournemouth midfielder (born 2003) (Wikipedia)
2What’s unclear
  • Whether Arsenal made direct contact or submitted a formal bid remains disputed across sources (Yardbarker)
  • Exact timing of the squad number change from 14 to 8 has not been confirmed by Bournemouth directly (Yardbarker)
  • Whether Bournemouth’s stance has shifted between 2024 and 2026 reporting periods (Yardbarker)
3Timeline signal
  • August 2023: Alex Scott (born 2003) joined Bournemouth permanently for around £25 million (Wikipedia)
  • June 2024: Reports emerged of Arsenal’s enquiry; Bournemouth rejected approach (Wikipedia)
  • 2024/25 season: Player listed as squad number 8 on official platforms (ESPN UK)
4What’s next
  • Bournemouth reportedly in talks over a new contract with Scott extending his stay beyond 2028 (TEAMtalk)
  • Several Premier League clubs continue monitoring the situation (TEAMtalk)
  • Any future transfer would likely require a fee well above previous £25 million valuation (TEAMtalk)

The table below consolidates key biographical and career details for both footballers sharing the name Alex Scott.

Field Detail
Name Alex Scott
Date of Birth (male, Bournemouth) 21 August 2003
Date of Birth (female, Arsenal Women) 14 October 1984
Position (male) Central midfielder
Primary club (male) AFC Bournemouth (#8 in 2024/25)
Reported transfer fee (2023) Around £25 million
Bournemouth’s transfer stance Not for sale
Contract runs until 2028

Who is Alex Scott in Football?

Two footballers answer to the name Alex Scott, and they operate in completely different spheres of the game. Understanding the distinction is essential before diving into any transfer news or career details.

The Two Alex Scotts: A Core Distinction

Alex Scott (born 14 October 1984) is a former Arsenal Women player who earned over 130 caps for England before transitioning into television broadcasting. She was awarded an MBE for services to football and continues to work as a pundit on major football coverage. Her career at Arsenal Women spanned multiple seasons where she became one of the most recognisable figures in the women’s game.

Alex Scott (born 21 August 2003) is a central midfielder currently playing for AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League. Born in Guernsey, he came through the youth ranks before establishing himself as a regular starter. His trajectory led to him becoming one of the more talked-about young midfielders in English football, attracting interest from top clubs including Arsenal.

The upshot

The born-1984 Alex Scott retired from football and now works in broadcasting; the born-2003 Alex Scott remains an active Premier League player at Bournemouth. When you encounter the name in transfer news, the context determines which person is being discussed.

Did Arsenal Try to Sign Alex Scott from Bournemouth?

Arsenal did explore the possibility of signing Alex Scott from Bournemouth, though the nature and timing of their approach generated conflicting reports across different outlets.

Bournemouth’s Rejection of Arsenal’s Enquiry (August 2023)

Bournemouth rejected an enquiry from Arsenal for Alex Scott and stated the midfielder was not for sale during that summer window. BBC Sport reported that Bournemouth’s response was unequivocal: Scott remained part of their plans and was not available at any price being discussed at that time. The club’s position reflected a broader strategy of retaining key assets after having sold several players in preceding transfer windows.

Multiple Premier League clubs were reported to be monitoring the situation, with Arsenal joined by Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Chelsea in tracking Scott’s development. The Athletic’s analysis framed Scott as one of several central-midfield targets Arsenal was considering as part of their recruitment review.

Reported valuations placed Scott in the £60 million range, with some sources suggesting offers above £80 million might trigger more serious internal discussion at Bournemouth. The contract situation adds another layer: Scott’s existing deal runs until 2028, giving Bournemouth significant leverage in any future negotiations.

Why this matters

Bournemouth’s firm rejection signals they view Scott as untouchable in the near term. For Arsenal and other suitors, any future approach would need to surpass expectations and likely wait until at least the contract extension discussions conclude or a release clause activates.

What is Alex Scott’s Kit Number?

The squad number for Alex Scott at Bournemouth has changed over time, which has contributed to some confusion in reporting.

Kit Number for Alex Scott (Bournemouth)

Transfermarkt’s squad-number history shows that Alex Scott wore number 14 for Bournemouth during the 2023/24 season. However, subsequent squad listings from the 2024/25 season onwards show him as number 8. ESPN’s official squad page and player profile both list him as AFC Bournemouth number 8, corroborating the later number.

The exact timing of this transition — whether it happened before or during the 2024/25 season — has not been officially confirmed by Bournemouth. Sources like WorldFootball.net and SoccerWiki show varying numbers depending on when their data was last updated.

The catch

If you’re trying to buy an Alex Scott Bournemouth shirt, check the current season listing rather than relying on older references. Number 8 appears to be his current assignment, but kit numbers can change season to season.

Who is Alex Scott’s Partner?

Alex Scott (born 1984) has been in a publicly acknowledged relationship with singer Jess Glynne. The former Arsenal Women star and the chart-topping musician have been seen together at various public occasions, though both have maintained relatively private approaches to their personal lives compared to their professional profiles.

Source

Jess Glynne’s relationship with Alex Scott has been covered in entertainment and lifestyle reporting, though neither party has made extensive public statements about the details of their relationship.

What is Alex Scott’s MBE For?

Alex Scott (born 1984) received her MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in recognition of her services to football. The honour acknowledged both her achievements as a player — including her long career with Arsenal Women and her 130-plus England caps — and her subsequent work in sports broadcasting.

Services to Football and Broadcasting

The MBE reflected a career that spanned playing at the highest levels of women’s football and then transitioning into media work where she became a prominent voice explaining and analysing the game. Her work as a pundit on major football broadcasts helped broaden the reach of women’s football coverage and provided role-model representation for younger players and fans.

Bottom line: Alex Scott (born 1984) earned her MBE for her dual contribution to football and broadcasting. For women’s football audiences, she remains a significant figure whose recognition validates the sport’s growth; for those following the Bournemouth midfielder, the MBE context applies to a different person entirely.

Career Timeline

Both Alex Scotts have distinct career arcs spanning different eras and competitions.

Date Event
October 1984 Alex Scott (female) born in London
August 2003 Alex Scott (male) born in Guernsey
2002–2018 Alex Scott (female) played for Arsenal Women, Birmingham City, and Boston Breakers
10 August 2023 Alex Scott (male) joined Bournemouth permanently from Bristol City
August 2023 Bournemouth rejected Arsenal’s enquiry; Scott declared not for sale
2024/25 season Alex Scott listed as Bournemouth squad number 8

The timeline shows how the two players developed in parallel, with the female Alex Scott building her career in the women’s game while the male Alex Scott emerged in the men’s Premier League two decades later.

Confirmed Facts vs. Rumours

Confirmed

  • Two footballers named Alex Scott exist: one born 1984 (female, former Arsenal Women), one born 2003 (male, Bournemouth midfielder)
  • Bournemouth rejected Arsenal’s enquiry and said Scott was not for sale (BBC Sport)
  • Alex Scott (born 2003) wears number 8 at Bournemouth for the 2024/25 season (ESPN)
  • Alex Scott (born 1984) was awarded an MBE for services to football
  • The transfer from Bristol City to Bournemouth was completed on 10 August 2023 for around £25 million (Wikipedia)

Unclear

  • Whether Arsenal submitted a formal bid versus making initial contact
  • Exact date of the squad number change from 14 to 8
  • Whether Bournemouth’s not-for-sale stance has shifted in subsequent reporting periods
  • Specific details of the reported contract extension talks
  • Whether a release clause was ultimately included in any extension

The pattern reveals that tier-1 sources confirm Bournemouth’s firm rejection, while tier-2 and tier-3 outlets provide varying contextual detail that remains partially unverified.

What Sources Say

Bournemouth have rejected an enquiry from Arsenal for Alex Scott and say the midfielder is not for sale this summer.

— BBC Sport (BBC Sport)

Arsenal has also expressed interest in central midfielders … Alex Scott from Bournemouth.

— The Athletic (The Athletic)

Bournemouth’s message: “We don’t need money — we’ve already sold many players over the last 12 months. We want to continue with Alex Scott.”

— Fabrizio Romano via Yardbarker (Yardbarker)

The pattern

Tier-1 sources (BBC Sport) confirm Bournemouth’s firm rejection stance. Tier-2 sources (The Athletic) provide contextual analysis of Arsenal’s transfer strategy. Tier-3 sources offer additional contract detail, though some of these reports remain unconfirmed by official club statements.

For Arsenal and other Premier League clubs monitoring the situation, the path to signing Alex Scott appears blocked for now. Bournemouth’s stance — backed by their contract leverage extending to 2028 — suggests the player will remain on the south coast unless an extraordinary offer changes the calculus. For supporters searching “Alex Scott Arsenal,” the short answer is that Arsenal showed interest, Bournemouth said no, and the younger player remains at Vitality Stadium for the foreseeable future.

Related reading: Arsenal matches 2024-25 results streaming · Arsenal kamp billetter guide

For those curious about her personal life, Alex Scott and Jess Glynnes relationship offers a detailed timeline of their romance.

Frequently asked questions

Which Alex Scott is more famous?

Alex Scott (born 1984) has higher public recognition due to her long Arsenal Women career, England caps, and prominent broadcasting work. The Bournemouth midfielder is building his profile but operates in a different context — Premier League football rather than women’s football history.

Is Alex Scott from Bournemouth related to the Arsenal legend?

No, they are unrelated individuals who happen to share the same name and sport. The older Alex Scott (born 1984) is from London and played women’s football; the younger Alex Scott (born 2003) is from Guernsey and plays men’s football.

What position does Alex Scott (Bournemouth) play?

He plays as a central midfielder. He has been described as a versatile midfielder capable of operating in different roles within Bournemouth’s midfield setup.

How many caps did Alex Scott (born 1984) earn for England?

Alex Scott (born 1984) earned over 130 caps for the England women’s national team during her playing career.

Why did Alex Scott (born 1984) retire?

She retired from professional football after a long career that included multiple clubs and over 130 England caps. Her transition into broadcasting began during the latter stages of her playing career and accelerated after retirement.

What is Alex Scott (Bournemouth) worth?

BBC Sport reported valuations in the region of £60 million, with some sources suggesting offers above £80 million might prompt Bournemouth to reconsider. His original transfer from Bristol City to Bournemouth in August 2023 was reportedly around £25 million.

Did Arsenal make a formal bid or just an enquiry?

Reports indicate Arsenal made an enquiry rather than a formal bid. BBC Sport and TEAMtalk reported Bournemouth rejected the approach and declared Scott not for sale. Fabrizio Romano’s reporting via Yardbarker suggested contact had occurred, but the nature of that contact remains somewhat unclear from official sources.



Oliver Whitfield

Oliver Whitfield

Editor-in-Chief — Oliver Whitfield leads FootyPediax27s editorial direction and standards. He has a background in sports media, football history research, and digital publishing, with a focus on making football information accurate, accessible, and easy to navigate.

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