Chelsea ‘want to sign Antoine Semenyo’ after ‘shock’ twist
Chelsea want to sign Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo in the summer and have been impressed by his performances this season.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 25-year-old is considered ready to make the step up.
Semenyo has scored nine goals and provided four assists in 26 appearances so far this season, helping Bournemouth rise to seventh in the table.
The Blues have been concerned about the inconsistent form of their current wide options including Noni Madueke, while Mykhailo Mudryk is facing a long-term ban from football.
As a result, they are set to turn their attention to the transfer market in the summer, where a potential big-money move for Semenyo is now on the cards.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, are said to be keen to keep their best players at the club after their success so far this season, but may be powerless to stand in his way.
Chelsea join Liverpool in race to sign Antoine Semenyo
Football Insider revealed in December that Liverpool have also shown an interest in Semenyo, joining Newcastle in the race for his signature.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, explained that Chelsea are the latest team to join the race and he wouldn’t be surprised to see the move take place.
“It doesn’t shock me to hear Chelsea are interested in him,” he told Football Insider.
“They’re looking at new wingers even though they’ve already got plenty at the club, because the likes of Noni Madueke have been a bit inconsistent as of late.
“I have to say about Semenyo, I always had doubts about his ability to perform at Premier League level.
“But the lad is one of the most improved players in the country this season.
“His assets of strength, running power, shooting and movement have been brought to light at Bournemouth.
“They’ve been outstanding this year, so so impressive.
“So it comes as no surprise that some of the bigger teams, for want of a better phrase, are having a look at whether their players could make the step up.
“Semenyo, I have to hold my hands up and give him absolute credit for what he’s done.
“If that gets him a move to somebody like Chelsea than he would have earned it.
“Bournemouth will want to keep him, of course, they’ll want to keep this whole team together especially if they can get into Europe.
“But whether that’s possible is another question.”
AC Milan set to make permanent Joao Felix decision
Chelsea’s interest in signing a new winger comes amid uncertainty surrounding their current options, including Joao Felix, who joined AC Milan on loan in the mid-season window.
Football Insider revealed that Felix will return to Stamford Bridge in the summer while Milan put together a long-term plan for their future.
As the loan deal does not including an option or obligation to buy, the Portugal forward will have to impress with his performances to earn a permanent move to the San Siro.
However, well-placed sources have told Football Insider that Milan would be “very interested” in making his deal permanent but have not made a firm decision yet.
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