Declan Rice Welcomes Alex Scott Competition as Arsenal Weigh Bournemouth Move

Declan Rice says he is relishing competition from Alex Scott for an England midfield place. Arsenal, Rice’s club, are among the sides linked with a big-money move for the Bournemouth midfielder.

Scott, 23, made his England debut in the 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in Prague, before earning his first start four days later. That debut came off the bench on Tuesday 29 September.

Thomas Tuchel described Scott as the complete package after his first start, a 7-0 win over Croatia in the Nations League.

Scott then picked up an injury. He withdrew from the squad with a quadriceps problem that was first expected to sideline him for six to eight weeks. Bournemouth head coach Marco Rose later said the injury was better than expected.

Scott still missed this month’s camp. He was ruled out of Tuchel’s squad for the Croatia and Spain games with a thigh injury.

Rice spoke ahead of Sunday night’s Nations League match against world champions Spain in Madrid. It is England’s final group game, and both sides have already reached the quarter-finals. A win would give England top spot in Group A3.

“To be honest, Alex Scott playing was incredible,” Rice said per The Mirror. “The way he’s been playing for Bournemouth the last two or three seasons has been remarkable.”

“The way he’s being spoken about is totally right because of the levels he’s set for himself and I totally understand playing for England comes with competition.”

Rice said he already faces that competition at club level. “When we [Arsenal] signed Bruno Guimaraes, when we signed [Martin] Zubimendi, when we had Myles [Lewis-Skelly], [Mikel] Merino, [Martin] Odegaard, you’re competing with six midfielders at your club every day so for me there’s nothing different.”

“Throughout my whole career there’s been competition. It’s normal.”

Arsenal have signed a midfielder this year already. They completed the signing of Guimaraes from Newcastle in August for a reported £75m.

Their interest in Scott dates back to the summer.Bournemouth rejected Arsenal’s initial approach and said they would not sell him anytime soon.

The latest reports came last week. According to The i Paper, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea have all made exploratory enquiries about Scott.

The i Paper reported that Liverpool and Chelsea are keenest on a January move, while Arsenal would prefer to wait until the summer. Bournemouth reportedly value Scott at more than £100m for a January departure.

Sources close to Bournemouth dismissed suggestions that an £80m offer could open negotiations. The Telegraph has reported that Bournemouth intend to reject interest in Scott and two other key players in January, as they chase European qualification for a second successive season.

Scott’s contract situation adds to the interest. He reportedly has 18 months left on his deal and has turned down two new contract offers.