Chelsea appears to be facing a double transfer setback as their pursuit of young English talents Alex Scott and JJ Gabriel hits unexpected roadblocks.
The Blues were reportedly keen on securing both players, but recent reports suggest Scott will remain with Bournemouth through January, while Gabriel is leaning towards a move to a European club rather than staying in England.
According to talkSPORT, Manchester United prospect Gabriel, who is just 16 but already showing immense potential, is more likely to join a top European side like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, or Paris Saint-Germain. Chelsea had also expressed interest in the teenage forward.
Meanwhile, Alex Scott, a summer target for Chelsea, is also off the table for the January window. Bournemouth has no intention of letting the 23-year-old midfielder depart mid-season. Even if Chelsea were to win the race for his signature, it's unlikely to happen before the summer of 2027, as Bournemouth aims to keep him for another season.
This situation presents a challenge for Chelsea, who have a track record of signing promising young players globally but might miss out on these two English prospects. While United fans may be disappointed by Gabriel's potential departure, Scott's future at Bournemouth also seems temporary given his talent, with Chelsea reportedly seeking midfield reinforcements.