Chelsea has taken the lead by initiating talks with Antoine Semenyo's representatives, aiming to outpace Liverpool and Manchester United in the January transfer window.
On 23 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Liverpool and Manchester United face intensified competition in the January transfer market as Chelsea officially joins the pursuit of Bournemouth's in-form forward, Antoine Semenyo.
According to Standard Sport, Chelsea has contacted the player's agent to express interest and start negotiations for a possible winter transfer, hoping to get ahead of Liverpool and Manchester United who have been monitoring Semenyo closely.
The 25-year-old Ghana international has impressed this season with 8 goals and 3 assists in 16 Premier League appearances, establishing himself as one of the league's most in-form attackers and attracting attention from several top clubs, including Manchester City, while Tottenham had inquired about him during the summer.
In the new contract Semenyo signed with Bournemouth last summer, a £65 million release clause was included, effective only during the first 10 days of January's transfer window. This clause was structured to allow Bournemouth time to find a replacement if they lose their key player.
Sources close to the club say Bournemouth's management is beginning to accept the likelihood of selling Semenyo given pressure from major clubs and considers the release clause fee a “reasonable” figure in today’s market.
For Chelsea, this is not their first interest; they previously tried to sign Semenyo back in 2019 when he was at Bristol City, but that attempt was unsuccessful.
At international level, Semenyo has scored 3 goals for Ghana since his senior debut in 2022 and is expected to be a key player for the “Black Stars” in next summer’s World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Chelsea’s serious approach has turned the battle for Antoine Semenyo into one of the hottest deals of the January transfer window, increasing pressure on Liverpool and Manchester United to avoid losing ground in this off-field competition.