Antoine Semenyo: Leading contender emerges as Liverpool and Man City battle for a January transfer

Antoine Semenyo’s future at Bournemouth continues to attract heavy speculation, with Liverpool, Arsenal, and Man City all weighing up potential January moves.

The 25-year-old signed a new deal in the summer that includes a £65m release clause, putting several top clubs on alert ahead of the winter window. As revealed on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Liverpool are currently seen as the leading contenders to sign the Ghanaian forward, even amid interest from rival Premier League sides and despite their recent struggles on the pitch.

Football Insider reported on 2 December that Liverpool remain in pole position for Semenyo, though it is still unclear whether he will be allowed to leave mid-season. While his release clause is considered affordable for the clubs involved, it is uncertain if anyone will trigger it in January.

Liverpool, Man City, and Arsenal are all in the race, with Liverpool holding an edge thanks to sporting director Richard Hughes. Hughes previously signed Semenyo during his time at Bournemouth and may look to bring him to Anfield, a connection that strengthens Liverpool’s position.

Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, it was noted that Semenyo is shaping up to be one of the major stories of the January window. Liverpool remain the favourites, though Man City are also considering activating his £65m clause, while Arsenal and long-time admirers Man United are monitoring developments.

Man United, in particular, are preparing to step up their long-standing interest. Former chief scout Mick Brown revealed that United want to move for Semenyo in January due to Ruben Amorim’s desire for more attacking options and concerns over losing Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo during the Africa Cup of Nations. United had also considered signing him in the summer before he renewed his contract with Bournemouth.