Arsenal could ‘hijack’ Man City’s Antoine Semenyo deal after confirmed news
Arsenal are still in the running to sign Antoine Semenyo after the Bournemouth winger rejected the chance to join Tottenham.
That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who states that Arsenal could sign Semenyo to stop a Premier League rival strengthening their squad.
Man City are in advanced talks to land Semenyo but he is also being pursued by Man United and Liverpool, and a hijack from a Champions League-calibre club cannot be ruled out.
Semenyo has a £65million release clause in his Bournemouth contract, which means many top clubs will pursue the 25-year-olds signature in January, and Andoni Iraola has confirmed that he is powerless to stop his star attacker leaving.
Chelsea though have pulled out of the race for Semenyo, with the club still happy with their attacking options.
Arsenal ‘not out of the question’ for Antoine Semenyo
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Mikel Arteta would add to his squad if the right player was made available in January.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks a departure for Gabriel Jesus could pave the way for Semenyo to move to north London.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “There was a rumour which was interesting about Semenyo coming to Arsenal almost as a blocking transfer to stop anybody else trying to strengthen. That would be interesting.
“And if they got rid of Jesus, then possibly that’s something that could happen. However, something we’ve talked about before is the good work that Arsenal have done in getting the other contracts with the players signed early, and getting them tied down to get stability.
“And I think that’s one of the key things that Arteta has been preaching about is stability in the squad. However, if there’s a chance to add quality in January, then they may well do it. It would all depend on the deal.
“I don’t know how many deals are actually live for him. I mean he’s saying he’s apparently turned down Spurs. We’ll just have to wait and see where he ends up. But Arsenal’s not quite out of the question there from all I’m hearing.”
Gabriel Jesus could make Brazil return
Arsenal are planning to accept offers for Jesus in January, with the striker set to return to his home country of Brazil.
Jesus started Arsenal’s Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace, which was his first start for the club since January.
The 28-year-old has struggled with injuries during his time in north London, and Kai Havertz is expected to return to action shortly.