Antoine Semenyo Saga Takes Yet Another Twist as Club Decide Against Move

It has emerged that a Premier League club has decided against pursuing a move for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo after making an initial enquiry ahead of the January window.

Semenyo, who has scored eight goals in 16 Premier League appearances across the 2025-26 campaign, is said to have a £65 million release clause in his Bournemouth contract, which can be activated during the first two weeks of January.

As a result, the Ghana international will be highly sought-after. In fact, a handful of Premier League clubs are already being strongly linked with a move.

Manchester United and Manchester City are at the front of the queue, according to a report from Sky Sports, while Liverpool are also keen.

Having seen his qualities up close when he scored a brace at Anfield, Liverpool are said to have enquired about Semenyo in November. The significant injury to Alexander Isak could also prompt them to make a move.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have also been linked with a deal. In fact, the club recently expressed their interest and made an enquiry to Bournemouth.

On Tuesday afternoon, at around 1pm, transfer journalist Ben Jacobs dropped an update on the situation.

He wrote: "Chelsea have always downplayed entering the race for Antoine Semenyo, but told they have actually considered an approach in the last few days. An initial enquiry has been made to Semenyo's representatives."

But hours later and it has emerged that Chelsea have decided against pursuing a move as they 'have confidence in the depth and quality of head coach Enzo Maresca’s existing options.'

That's according to The Athletic's David Ornstein, who claimed Chelsea will continue to search the market for an attacking signing in 2026.

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Speaking to NBC Sports last week, Ornstein claimed that the player had already turned down the chance to sign for Tottenham, despite the club being “prepared to pay a significant salary”.

“Tottenham Hotspur were very keen, and, I'm led to believe, were prepared to pay a significant salary to Antoine Semenyo, but he politely is focusing on other options," he said.

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