There are still a whole bunch of clubs that are out of what will be one of next year’s biggest transfers even if one club has dropped out.
It has emerged that a Premier League club has decided against pursuing a move for Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo after making an initial request ahead of the January window.
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Semenyo, who has scored eight goals in 16 Premier League appearances in the 2025/26 season, is said to have a £65 million release clause in his Bournemouth contract, which could be activated in the first two weeks of January.
As a result, the Ghanaian international will be in high demand. In fact, a handful of Premier League clubs are on the list of suitors. – Sky Sports reports that Manchester United and Manchester City are at the front of the queue, with Liverpool right behind.
After seeing his qualities up close when he scored two goals at Anfield, Liverpool are said to have enquired about Semenyo in November. The significant injury to Alexander Isak could also prompt them to act.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have also been linked with a deal. In fact, the club has recently expressed its interest and made an enquiry to Bournemouth. On Tuesday afternoon, around 1 p.m., transfer journalist Ben Jacobs gave an update on the situation.
He wrote: “Chelsea have always played down taking part in the race for Antoine Semenyo, but I’ve been told that they have actually considered an approach in recent days. An initial request has been made to Semenyo’s representatives.”
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But hours later, it has emerged that Chelsea have decided against pursuing a move as they “have confidence in the depth and quality of head coach Enzo Maresca’s existing options.”
That comes from The Athletic’s David Ornstein, who claimed that Chelsea will continue to search the market for an attacking signing in 2026.
In an interview with NBC Sports last week, Ornstein claimed that the player had already turned down the opportunity to sign for Tottenham, despite the club being “prepared to pay a substantial salary”.
“Tottenham Hotspur were very interested and, as I understand it, were prepared to pay a substantial salary to Antoine Semenyo, but he has politely focused on other options,” he said.
