Arsenal are now exploring a move for Alex Scott, and AFC Bournemouth's stance on a sale has been revealed.

The Gunners are searching for a new midfielder, despite making a statement signing in the summer, with Bruno Guimaraes arriving from Newcastle United in a £75m deal.

Guimaraes has made three appearances for Mikel Arteta's side in the Premier League since his arrival, but the Brazilian was forced to issue an apology after the shock 3-0 defeat against Brighton on Saturday.

The former Newcastle United man said: "We were not good enough, so far off our level this time. We are very disappointed, we have to learn from our mistakes because today we were far away from our level.

"We were too sloppy with the ball, didn't win any duels. We cannot accept this while wearing this shirt of a champion and we want to win the game. We cannot repeat this; it's a lesson for us because I think we've been on a good run so far. We've won every game but not this one. Like I said, it's one to forget for us but we have to learn from what happened today."

He continued: "We have to forget this and improve, we have to say sorry to the fans because it wasn't good enough."

Arteta's side were far from their best at the American Express Stadium, recording just two shots on target throughout the entire match, while they also missed two big chances.

It is still early days, but Manchester City have now moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League table, after running out 5-3 winners against Sunderland on Sunday.

There is work to be done for Arteta, while Andrea Berta & co continue to make plans for the transfer window behind the scenes, and Scott has now emerged as a target.

Arsenal keen on signing Alex Scott

That is according to a report from Poland (via Caught Offside), which states Arsenal are now exploring a move for the Bournemouth star, with the Cherries potentially open to a sale, should they receive around €90m (£77m) and performance-related bonuses.

The Englishman is a key player for Bournemouth, registering one goal and one assist in five Premier League matches this season, but his contract is due to expire in 2028, which means next summer may be his current employers' last chance to cash-in for a mega fee.

Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on signing the central midfielder, who received major plaudits from former manager Andoni Iraola for his performance at the Emirates Stadium last season.

Iraola said: "Alex [Scott] has been like this for many months. He was amazing. He's in such good form. I'm so happy for him. He's worked a lot to be at this level."