Premier League Powerhouse Fires Opening Shot in Explosive Four-Way Battle for Antoine Semenyo

Chelsea have reportedly taken initial action toward acquiring Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, potentially gaining an advantage over competing clubs Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City.

During his standout campaign, Semenyo has become the most coveted January target as the winter transfer period draws near, primarily driven by an attractive £65 million ($87.7 million) buyout clause.

The Ghana winger, who remains available since his nation unexpectedly missed Africa Cup of Nations qualification, netted his eighth Premier League strike of 2025–26 over the weekend. In total, he's contributed 11 direct goal participations across 16 league matches.

While other clubs have been evaluating their possibilities and strengthening their interest, Chelsea have reportedly progressed further by actually making contact with an inquiry about bringing Semenyo to Stamford Bridge, according to several reliable sources.

The Athletic describes it as a "preliminary inquiry," indicating any prospective transfer remains in very early phases. However, the Blues had already intended to pursue an attacking player before next season and have accelerated their timeline from summer due to the fixed fee opportunity currently available.

The inquiry was directed to Semenyo's agents, apparently to assess factors like wage demands, with no requirement to negotiate with Bournemouth because of the release clause.

The 25-year-old has found the net from both wings this campaign and Chelsea lack the scoring punch to compete at the highest level, despite maintaining a defensive record comparable to second-placed Manchester City—Guardiola's team has allowed just one fewer goal but scored 12 more and sits eight points ahead consequently. Against Semenyo's eight Premier League goals in the season's first half, no Chelsea player exceeds five (Pedro Neto, João Pedro).

Chelsea's Previous Failed Attempt to Sign Antoine Semenyo

This isn't Chelsea's inaugural attempt to secure Semenyo, but their previous pursuit occurred almost seven years ago when they could have acquired him for merely £2 million.

The west London native was an obscure teenage talent with minimal professional exposure then, having progressed through Bristol City's system after rejections from Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.

Semenyo was halfway through a temporary stint at Newport County in League Two, yet Chelsea recognized enough potential in the 19-year-old to propose £1 million, per the Daily Mail in January 2019. But negotiations stalled because Bristol City demanded a fee "nearer to £2 million" instead.

Currently, teams are lining up to pay over 30 times that modest amount.

Which Premier League Clubs Want to Sign Antoine Semenyo?

Beyond Chelsea, substantial interest surrounds Semenyo due to his influence at Bournemouth during the season's opening half. Manchester United and Liverpool have both suffered from his strikes in recent months, and each now monitors him hoping to potentially enhance their wide attacking options.

Regarding United, the Red Devils hadn't originally planned to chase another forward after investing over £200 million collectively on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško during summer. But Semenyo attracts their attention due to the release clause opportunity.

Manchester City have also reportedly maintained surveillance on Semenyo, while Tottenham Hotspur were connected but are believed to have already been rejected by the player. With interested parties only needing to negotiate with Semenyo and his representatives if willing to activate his release clause, it appears likely he won't remain at Bournemouth beyond February.