Liverpool have major advantage over rivals in race to sign Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo has attracted interest from some of the Premier League’s elite clubs thanks to his performances for Bournemouth this season.
Andoni Iraola’s side beat Fulham 3-1 last time out to send them up to fourth place, with four wins, two draws and one defeat from their first seven games.
Former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 7 October that Bournemouth are bracing for offers for Semenyo in January.
The Cherries lost the likes of Ilya Zabarnyi, Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez and Dango Ouattara as their squad was raided during the summer transfer window.
As a result, they are extremely reluctant to let Semenyo leave, but could struggle to keep hold of him given the level of interest in a deal.
Liverpool have advantage in race to sign Antoine Semenyo
Football Insider revealed on 3 October that Bournemouth will demand over £80million to sell Semenyo in a blow to his potential suitors in the January window.
The likes of Arsenal, Man United and Tottenham have shown an interest in the forward with the race for his signature set to accelerate when the window opens.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, that Liverpool have an advantage over their rivals thanks to Richard Hughes’ strong relationship with his former club.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Yeah, well look, there’s no surprise that some of these biggest clubs in England are looking at Semenyo.
“Liverpool, we know their links with Bournemouth through Richard Hughes, the sporting director, that might give them a big advantage over the other interested clubs.
“Manchester United showed some interest in Semenyo in the summer, and Tottenham also showed a bit of an interest as well.
“I’m sure Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal would all consider Semenyo, and Bournemouth are bracing themselves for interest in him.
“I don’t see a move happening in January just due to the price tag that would it take to get him out of Bournemouth.
“I think in the summer all those clubs will be looking at Semenyo, seeing if he could be lured away from Bournemouth.
“Bournemouth are expecting serious offers for the player come next summer, having done well to keep hold of him this summer and tie him down to a new contract.
“Opportunities to move away will come with those big clubs obviously looking to draw from that chance to play at the highest level possible.”
With six goals and three assists in just eight appearances across all competitions this season, it comes as no surprise that a number of elite sides are tracking Semenyo’s progress.
Bournemouth make Antoine Semenyo transfer plans
Football Insider revealed on 10 October that Bournemouth have increased Semenyo’s asking price to over £100million amid ongoing speculation.
Semenyo signed a brand new five-year contract with Bournemouth in July, putting rumours around a potential imminent departure to bed.
As a result, the Cherries are in a strong position over the forward’s future and have no immediate desire to let him leave in the January transfer window.
However, with interest in his signature expected to accelerate at the end of the season, they could be tempted to cash in and reinvest in the squad.
After a turbulent summer window just gone, they have shown their willingness to allow important players to leave with plans to replace them and continue their progress.
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