With the World Cup having only recently concluded, Premier League clubs are already deep into their 2026/27 preseason programmes. The calendar is tight, the travel is heavy and the purpose is clear: get players ready, test combinations and give new faces a chance to make an early impression.

Arsenal, the reigning champions, are among the later starters. Their first friendly comes on Aug. 1 against Girona in Catalonia, before further meetings with Real Betis, Borussia Dortmund and Como. They will then face Manchester City in the Community Shield at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Aston Villa have already opened with a 5-0 win over Walsall and continue across Europe and Asia, while Bournemouth began with a 4-1 victory against St. Pauli. Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion both have short schedules remaining, with each taking on European opposition in mid-August.

Chelsea’s first run under new manager Xabi Alonso takes them to Australia for matches against Western Sydney Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur, before trips through Hong Kong, Jakarta and Malaysia. Their final friendly is against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge.

Elsewhere, Everton have mixed early results and face a demanding route through Scotland, Germany and home soil before meeting Lille. Fulham also have work to do after a behind-closed-doors defeat to Norwich City. Hull City, Ipswich Town and Coventry City all have their own preparations mapped out, while Crystal Palace have already played twice and continue with fixtures in Italy and Germany.

Liverpool’s schedule includes a United States tour against Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds United, followed by Monaco and two games against Como on Aug. 16. Manchester City are taking a lighter approach, starting with Inter in Hong Kong before facing the K-League All-Stars, Atlético Madrid and Arsenal. Manchester United, meanwhile, have already lost to Wrexham and beaten Rosenborg 5-0, with Atlético Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds United and Milan still to come.

Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur also remain busy, with each club using these final weeks to sharpen up before the league begins.

Alex Scott has turned down fresh Bournemouth contract offers, leaving his future open as interest builds from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Sky Sports News reports that Bournemouth have seen several attempts to extend the 22-year-old’s deal rejected, with Scott “not currently willing to agree new terms” while the Premier League’s leading sides continue to watch closely. Chelsea, according to the report, had an $86 million (£64 million) bid turned down, while inquiries from Arsenal and United were also “knocked back.”

Bournemouth still expect Scott to stay at the Vitality Stadium next season, even with his current contract running until 2028. Yet the club may find it increasingly difficult to hold off the level of attention now focused on him.

Scott’s 2025-26 campaign was significant for another reason too. For the first time in his Bournemouth career, he completed a full season without a major injury. That mattered. Previous fitness problems had interrupted his progress, but an uninterrupted run under Andoni Iraola helped accelerate his rise.

He missed only one Premier League match last season and became more influential as the campaign went on. In Iraola’s demanding system, Scott offered balance and intensity. He covered ground well, worked hard without the ball and ranked among the top five Premier League midfielders for possession won in the middle and defensive third, as well as for ball recoveries. He also contributed in attack, finishing with four goals and an assist.

At 22, his scope for development remains clear. Scott can still improve as both a defensive shield and a final-third creator, and the argument is that his ceiling would be even higher in a stronger team around him.

If he leaves Bournemouth, the choice needs to be made carefully. Chelsea may not be the cleanest fit because of their ongoing transition under Xabi Alonso, their crowded midfield options and their lack of European football next season. Manchester United offer the attraction of a Champions League return and recent progress under Michael Carrick, but they have also just brought in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.

That is why Arsenal could represent the most balanced move. They are established, they are under another Spanish coach, and there may be a clear route into the team alongside Declan Rice, with the second midfield role still undecided.

Chelsea’s move for Alex Scott suggests their summer reshaping is still very much underway. After setting a transfer record to sign Morgan Rogers, the club reportedly tested Bournemouth with an $86 million (£64 million) bid for the midfielder, only to be turned away.

BBC Sport and other outlets say Chelsea want Scott next, but Bournemouth have made their position clear. The 22-year-old is wanted beyond this summer, and their rejection of the offer underlines that stance. Even so, the situation is not straightforward, because Scott has reportedly declined the chance to extend his contract, which now has two years left.

That uncertainty has not shifted Bournemouth’s determination, though interest from elsewhere may keep the story active. Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United have all been linked, while Tottenham Hotspur were also in the picture before their costly moves for Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.

Chelsea’s interest has to be viewed against the backdrop of their existing midfield strength. Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández remain central to their plans, but the pursuit of Scott points to a desire for added depth and competition rather than a simple replacement. Fernández has said he wants to leave, and Chelsea are prepared to consider a sale if their $160 million (£120 million) valuation is not met. Yet officials also say they would be content to keep him if that figure is not reached.

With Real Madrid having publicly ruled out a move, the chances of that fee being matched have fallen. A link with Enzo Maresca has been mentioned, as has Atlético Madrid, but neither is expected to approach Chelsea’s price.

That leaves Scott as a separate target, one who could strengthen a midfield that has often lacked cover. Roméo Lavia and Dário Essugo have both struggled with injuries, while Andrey Santos had frequently been the only deputy before his exit to Man Utd earlier this summer.

Chelsea’s wider recruitment picture is also unsettled. Left back remains an issue after Marc Cucurella’s sale to Real Madrid, while Pep Chavarría is viewed as Alonso’s top choice. A new centre back is also wanted, with John Stones among the names on the list. For now, though, Chelsea’s business remains tied to outgoings as much as arrivals.