​The summer transfer window is heating up, and Arsenal are already laying down their contingency plans. While Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimarães remains Mikel Arteta’s absolute number-one target to anchor the midfield, the Gunners have quietly identified their fallback option if their relentless pursuit of the Brazilian ultimately hits a brick wall.

​The Bruno Guimarães Standoff: Third Bid Looming

​Arsenal’s pursuit of Guimarães has been one of the defining sagas of the summer. Having already seen two unofficial approaches rejected—including an opening £55 million proposal and a subsequent £65 million bid that failed to turn heads on Tyneside—the Gunners are refusing to back down.

​With Guimarães having already reached a full agreement on personal terms with Arsenal, Mikel Arteta’s side is preparing to return to the table with an elevated formal bid worth £70 million.

​However, getting the deal over the line will be an uphill battle. Fabrizio Romano has suggested the upcoming bid will not be accepted, while local outlets like The Chronicle have been even more forceful, declaring it will be definitively rebuffed. Sources close to St James’ Park, including insider Graeme Bailey, revealed that Newcastle’s internal response to the impending offer is that it is “not welcome, not wanted, and will not be accepted.”

​Enter Alex Scott: Arsenal’s Chosen Contingency Plan

​If, as widely anticipated, Newcastle slam the door shut on Arsenal’s third bid and refuse to sell their prized captain, the Gunners have already decided on their alternative. According to exclusive reports from CaughtOffside, Arsenal have pre-selected Bournemouth midfield dynamo Alex Scott as their primary fallback target.

​The 23-year-old has established himself as one of the most promising young midfielders in the Premier League, sparking intense interest from the division’s heavyweights. Arsenal previously made an informal enquiry earlier in the window, only to be rebuffed by the Cherries.

​Bournemouth’s resolve is facing a severe test. Hopes of tying Scott down to a lucrative new contract containing a release clause were recently dashed when the midfielder flatly declined to sign fresh terms. With just two years remaining on his current deal, Bournemouth have publicly maintained a firm stance that they will not sell this summer—even though his market value will inevitably diminish as he edges closer to free agency.

​High Stakes and Heavy Competition

​Predictably, Bournemouth’s stubborn stance has done little to deter elite suitors. Ben Jacobs recently brought to light that Chelsea previously tested the waters with a massive £64 million bid for Scott, which was ultimately knocked back.

​Should Arsenal decide to walk away from the Guimarães pursuit, they are fully prepared to test Bournemouth’s resolve with a heavy bid of their own. Sources indicate that the decision has already been internally ‘decided’ at the Emirates: if Newcastle keep Guimarães, the full focus of Arsenal’s recruitment department will pivot directly toward Alex Scott.

​As the final weeks of the transfer window tick down, the pressure is mounting. Whether Arsenal manage to break Newcastle’s stubborn resistance for Guimarães or are forced to activate their Plan B for Alex Scott, Mikel Arteta’s side is leaving nothing to chance in their quest to assemble a squad capable of claiming the Premier League crown.