Antoine Semenyo Saga Takes Unexpected Twist as Club Make Transfer U-Turn

A Premier League club have performed a U-turn on their reported interest in Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo ahead of the January transfer window.

Semenyo, 25, has been in fine form this term, registering eight goals – the third most of any player in the league behind Erling Haaland and Igor Thiago - and three assists in 16 appearances for Bournemouth, with his performances attracting the interest of several Premier League clubs.

The London-born Ghana international reportedly has a £65 million release clause in his contract, which can be activated during the first two weeks of the January window, according to BBC Sport.

Speaking to NBC Sports last week, The Athletic’s David Ornstein claimed that the player had already turned down the chance to sign for Spurs despite the club being “prepared to pay a significant salary”, while Manchester City and Manchester United both have strong interest.

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Antoine Semenyo is of interest to several clubs (Credit:Getty)

Ornstein also suggested that the transfer saga will be “resolved sooner rather than later” as Bournemouth will likely need to replace the 25-year-old if he were to leave.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday (December 23), Sky Sports reported that Chelsea entered the race to sign Semenyo and claimed the club have “made an enquiry” in relation to a transfer.

Journalist Ben Jacobs also suggested that, despite previously downplaying interest, the London club have, in fact, made an initial enquiry and seemingly performed a U-turn in relation to a potential January transfer.

Jacobs 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.

"Manchester clubs viewed as frontrunners. Liverpool assessing after November contact."

Ornstein then provided a further update on the situation via The Athletic, reporting that Chelsea, who initially wanted to sign the player in the summer of 2026, have "contacted Semenyo’s camp about the conditions of a deal, with a view to potentially accelerating their plans to January".

Antoine Semenyo could soon be in competition with Alejandro Garnacho for a Chelsea starting spot (Credit:Getty)

If Semenyo does not leave Bournemouth in the winter, his price is due to decrease when the summer window opens following the 2025/26 season.

Semenyo joined the Cherries from Bristol City for £10 million in 2023 and is contracted to the south coast club until 2030.

The Championship side would be due 20 percent of the profit made on Semenyo, which equates to £13 million if he's sold for £65 million.

If the 25-year-old joins Chelsea he will compete with Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittens and Facundo Buonanotte for a place in Enzo Maresca's starting line-up.