Antoine Semenyo is a man in demand.
The Bournemouth star has made a fine start to the Premier League season. Indeed, the 25-year-old has scored seven times and provided an additional three assists for the Cherries. Having been linked with a move away from the south coast earlier in the year, Semenyo instead penned a five-year deal.
Where should Antoine Semenyo move in January?
However, said deal included a £65m release, which can be activated next month. While that does drop to £60m in the summer, potential suitors, of which there are many, are expected to firm up their interest in early January.
Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal are all reportedly monitoring Semenyo. The versatile attacker would improve any of those sides. But where should the forward move to next month? Squawka suggests makes their picks.
Dream: Arsenal
The Gunners are unlikely to splurge in the January window. Having splashed the cash over the summer, Arsenal are expected to undergo a quiet start to 2026. That said, the Premier League leaders may yet consider a move for Semenyo in the New Year.
A potential switch to Arsenal hinders on whether one of Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard leaves next month. The former has been linked with a Saudi switch. And let’s be honest, Semenyo would be an upgrade on the pair on the left flank.
The left wing is a bit of a problem position for Mikel Arteta. Four players have each started out wide in the Premier League this season, with Martinelli and Trossard the most used. Semenyo may average fewer assists and chances created per 90 than the latter, but he makes up for it with more take ons and aerial wins per 90.
Additionally, Semenyo has previously admitted he’s supports the Gunners. “I am an Arsenal fan,” the Ghana star told the Athletic last year. “I don’t conflict the two with my job. It is great to play against Arsenal, a team I have watched all my life, and I want to play for the top clubs as well. In order for that to happen, I need to prove it.” It would be a dream come true for the player to secure a switch to the Emirates.
Realistic: Liverpool
Liverpool have long been interested in Semenyo. Even after they invested heavily to land Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, the Reds are set on strengthening their frontline further.
With rumours linking Mohamed Salah with a January exit, Liverpool need to add to their attack if they are to remain competitive on a number of fronts. The defending Premier League champions are the current favourites to sign Semenyo, and that shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Sporting Director Richard Hughes moved to Liverpool from Bournemouth, succeeding Jorg Schmadtke on Merseyside at the end of the 2023-24 season. Hughes still has a positive working relationship with his former employers. He was key in the signing of left-back Milos Kerkez over the summer.
And Liverpool will hope to maximise that working relationship to lure Semenyo to Anfield. While the Ghanaian is a better option from the left, his ability to play from the right means he’d likely fill in for Salah on that side. In addition, he’s a player who thrives in chaos. It could prove a very good match for both player and club.
Wildcard: Bournemouth
Bournemouth are understandably keen to retain Semenyo’s services. He’s been directly involved in 10 of their 25 league goals this season after all (40%). It’s for that reason the release clause can only be triggered early in the window to give the Cherries a chance to sign a replacement, should he leave.
In addition, the release clause drops further in the summer, which could prove more appealing for potential suitors. While it’s highly unlikely, Semenyo staying put could be a move that suits the forward.
He’s settled on the south coast, and any move at the midway stage of the season is always tricky to navigate. New signings are expected to make an immediate impact in unfamiliar surroundings without much of a chance to bed in.
As such, Semenyo may benefit from remaining at Bournemouth until the end of the season. His reputation is unlikely to take a hit should he stay. If anything, it could grow further. Nevertheless, Semenyo is expected to depart next month. Any Cherries fan is kidding themselves if they believe otherwise.
Squawka Suggests: Arsenal
Semenyo’s an Arsenal fan, and would immediately upgrade their attacking options on the left. In addition, he’d offer an alternative route to goal for Mikel Arteta and his men. It seems a match made in heaven.
In a Premier League title race, Semenyo could provide the injection in quality on the frontline needed to pip Manchester City to top spot come May. Arsenal should be looking to cash in on Martinelli or Trossard in the New Year, and reinvesting in Semenyo. After all, he could prove a transformative acquisition that helps the Gunners to a first top-flight title in over 20 years.
