“Antoine Semenyo Transfer Drama Heats Up as Club Reverses Stance”

A Premier League club has reversed its earlier stance regarding interest in Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo ahead of the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old has been in excellent form this season, scoring eight goals—only behind Erling Haaland and Igor Thiago in the league—and providing three assists in 16 appearances for Bournemouth. His performances have reportedly drawn attention from several top-flight clubs.

According to BBC Sport, the London-born Ghana international has a £65 million release clause in his contract, which can be activated during the first two weeks of January. Speaking to NBC Sports, The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed that Semenyo had already rejected a move to Spurs, despite the club being “prepared to pay a significant salary,” while Manchester City and Manchester United remain interested. Ornstein added that the transfer situation is likely to be “resolved sooner rather than later,” as Bournemouth would need a replacement if Semenyo departs.

On December 23, Sky Sports reported that Chelsea had entered the race for Semenyo and made an official enquiry regarding a potential move. Journalist Ben Jacobs noted that although the club had previously downplayed interest, they have now apparently reconsidered and made initial contact with the player’s representatives. Jacobs added: “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 later updated that Chelsea, who initially targeted Semenyo 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.” If he remains at Bournemouth over the winter, his transfer value is expected to drop by the next summer window after the 2025/26 season.

Semenyo joined Bournemouth from Bristol City for £10 million in 2023 and is under contract until 2030. Bristol City is entitled to 20% of any profit made on the player, which would amount to £13 million if he is sold for £65 million.

Should he move to Chelsea, Semenyo would compete with Alejandro Garnacho for a spot in Enzo Maresca’s starting XI.

This is a breaking news update from SPORTbible and will be updated as the story develops. For the latest updates, follow SPORTbible on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.