Arsenal are set to sit out the intense January scramble for Bournemouth's in-form winger Antoine Semenyo, according to fresh reports. The Gunners view a potential deal for the 25-year-old as more of a summer prospect, but the player himself is not prepared to wait.
Premier League Giants Queue Up for Semenyo
Chelsea have this week become the latest top-flight club to register their interest in the Ghana international, who has been in sensational form this season. Enzo Maresca's side, however, faces fierce competition, with Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur all holding talks over a possible move.
Semenyo's outstanding performances have made him one of the most sought-after assets in the upcoming transfer window. He has contributed eight goals and three assists in the Premier League this campaign, triggering significant interest from the division's elite. A £65 million release clause in his contract can be activated in January, making a mid-season transfer a distinct possibility.
Arsenal's Stance and the Leading Contenders
Despite the widespread interest, Arsenal are not expected to enter the bidding war next month. Respected journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic revealed that while Mikel Arteta's side have assessed the situation, they see it as a move for the summer. This timeline does not suit Semenyo, who is keen to secure a transfer immediately.
"Everything I learn suggests a transfer is highly possible," Ornstein told NBC Sports. "The names that are emerging as the leading contenders right now are Manchester City and Manchester United, in no particular order, they are both extremely fond of him."
He added that Liverpool have long held admiration for the player, while Tottenham were prepared to offer a significant salary but have been politely sidelined as Semenyo focuses on other options. Ornstein also suggested Liverpool's interest could intensify following the significant injury to striker Alexander Isak.
Bournemouth's Hope and Arsenal's Potential Condition
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has publicly expressed his desire to keep his star player at the Vitality Stadium. Speaking ahead of the January window, Iraola stated, "Semenyo right now is with us... I hope we can keep him here. If you ask me, I don’t want to lose him, definitely don't." He acknowledged the "lots of noise" surrounding the winger but praised his continued commitment in training.
Separate reports from talkSPORT indicate that Arsenal would only consider a January move for Semenyo if they manage to offload a winger from their own squad first, further underlining their reluctance to dive into the market for him next month.
With a major decision looming, the coming weeks will be crucial for Antoine Semenyo's future. While his current manager hopes for stability, the allure of a big-money move to a title-chasing club appears to be drawing him towards the exit, with Arsenal content to watch from the sidelines for now.
