[The Athletic - David Ornstein] Chelsea enquire about Antoine Semenyo

Antoine Semenyo: Chelsea enquire about January deal for Bournemouth forward - The Athletic

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Chelsea have made initial enquiries regarding a January move for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. While the club originally planned to sign a new forward in the summer, they have contacted Semenyo’s camp regarding transfer terms with the possibility of moving the plan forward to January. Chelsea is one of several clubs interested in the Ghanaian international, who is under contract with Bournemouth until 2030. His contract includes a £65 million release clause valid for January, as reported by The Athletic on November 17. Tottenham made enquiries about Semenyo last summer, and Manchester United was also among the clubs targeting him. The Athletic’s Transfer DealSheet also reported that Liverpool is one of many clubs that rates Semenyo highly. Semenyo is having a strong 2024-25 season, recording 8 goals and 3 assists in 16 Premier League matches. While Bournemouth valued Semenyo at £70 million last summer, the official sale price for the winter window is set at £65 million. This clause must be triggered by a specific date, which would allow Bournemouth roughly two weeks to find a replacement for their key player. This clause is applicable to any club. If Bournemouth fends off interested clubs over the coming months, the mechanism will apply again in future transfer windows at a lower price point. Earlier this month, Ghana national team coach Otto Addo suggested it might be time for Semenyo to leave Bournemouth. In an interview with The Athletic after the World Cup draw on December 5, Addo said, 'Semenyo has been doing very well at Bournemouth. But while respecting Bournemouth and what they’ve done, it’s clearly natural for him to take the next step.' Following a successful 23/24 season under manager Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth sold several key players last summer. Center-back Dean Huijsen moved to Real Madrid in May after a La Liga club triggered his £50 million clause. Bournemouth also sold left-back Milos Kerkez, center-back Illia Zabarnyi, and winger Dango Ouattara. A year ago, Dominic Solanke, who also had a £65 million release clause, moved to Tottenham. Semenyo has recorded 30 goals and 13 assists in over 100 appearances since joining Bournemouth from Championship side Bristol City in January 2023.