The January transfer window is shaping up for a major battle, with North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur set to compete for the signature of Bournemouth's in-form winger Antoine Semenyo. They are not alone, however, as they form part of a five-horse race for the Ghanaian international, whose contract contains a release clause that could see him leave the Vitality Stadium as soon as this winter.
The Five-Way Battle for a Cherries Star
According to reports from talkSPORT, a significant transfer tussle is brewing for the services of Antoine Semenyo. The 25-year-old Bournemouth attacker has become one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League, attracting serious interest from a majority of the division's 'big six' clubs. The clubs identified in the running are Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City.
Chelsea are notably absent from the pursuit, believed to be a consequence of their already extensive collection of wingers. The key to any deal lies in a specific clause in Semenyo's contract. When the player signed a new deal with the Cherries in the summer, it is reported that the inclusion of a release clause worth £60 million initially, plus £5 million in add-ons, was a 'deal-breaker'. Without the promise of a potential exit in the subsequent two transfer windows, Semenyo would not have agreed to extend his stay on the south coast.
Financials and Bournemouth's Powerlessness
This release clause, which becomes active in the early part of the January window, is considered to be of excellent value for a player of Semenyo's calibre and current form. His performances in the 2025/26 season have done nothing to dampen that opinion, with the winger having already contributed six goals and three assists in the Premier League.
While Bournemouth would understandably prefer to retain their star player for the entirety of the campaign, the report suggests the club would be 'powerless' to stop his exit if a rival club meets the stipulated release fee and Semenyo expresses a desire to leave. Furthermore, it is understood that the player himself favours staying in the Premier League should he depart. The clause is also time-sensitive, with its value set to drop to a figure in excess of £50 million if he remains a Bournemouth player until the summer of 2026.
An Arsenal Fan's Ambition
In a twist that could give Arsenal a potential advantage in the negotiations, it has emerged that Semenyo is a lifelong fan of the Gunners. In a past interview with The Athletic, the former Bristol City star openly discussed his allegiance and his career aspirations.
"I am an Arsenal fan," Semenyo revealed. "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... Any team that plays Champions League, Europa [League] - that's the aim." He acknowledged that such a move would require consistent high-level performances, a challenge he stated he was prepared for.
As for the current front-runners, Liverpool are currently cited as leading the charge. Tottenham are also expected to return with a formal offer after having an approach rejected during the summer, while Arsenal are said to be 'alert' to the opportunity to sign a new winger. As the January window draws nearer, the developments in this major transfer story will be watched with keen interest.
