Tottenham are weighing up a record-breaking move for a new attacking signing after failing to land Antoine Semenyo.
Tottenham are said to be “on a mission” to track down a young attacking talent who could become the club’s most expensive signing ever, after missing out on Antoine Semenyo, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Spurs had pursued the Bournemouth winger heavily during the summer and again ahead of the January transfer window, with David Ornstein reporting that a lucrative contract proposal was put on the table for the Ghana international. Semenyo, however, turned down the move, allowing Manchester City and Manchester United to emerge as leading contenders for his signature.
The forward’s electric start to the campaign — eight goals in 16 Premier League matches — has drawn serious interest from across the traditional top six. Manchester City are now viewed as favourites, with their readiness to push through a quick January deal matching Semenyo’s career plans.
Pep Guardiola has publicly lauded Semenyo, hailing his exceptional qualities, tireless energy, sharp movement and growing influence on matches.
With that option off the table, Tottenham are shifting focus as they aim to bolster Thomas Frank’s attacking ranks. Romano reports that Spurs are closely watching RB Leipzig youngster Yan Diomande, who is currently featuring for Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The 19-year-old completed the full match in Ivory Coast’s opening group game against Mozambique and is tipped to be one of the breakout stars of the tournament. The highly adaptable winger, capable of playing on either side, is believed to command a fee of over £87 million — enough to smash Tottenham’s current transfer record.
Diomande has impressed for Leipzig this season, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in 16 outings, including a hat-trick in a dominant 6–0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt. The Bundesliga’s official website has praised his blistering speed and close control, likening his style to that of Borussia Dortmund and Germany attacker Karim Adeyemi.