Tottenham could ‘blow Liverpool away’ in race to sign ‘extraordinary’ player
Tottenham are among the clubs interested in Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo ahead of the January transfer window.
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider Tottenham are “winning” the race to sign Semenyo as Thomas Frank looks to improve his attacking options.
Semenyo has also been linked with a move to Liverpool, while Manchester City and Manchester United are believed to be keeping tabs on his situation.
It comes despite Semenyo agreeing a new contract with Bournemouth in the summer, extending his stay at the Vitality Stadium until 2030.
In a new twist, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported on 17 November the Ghana international’s contract includes a £65million release clause in January, while the price will decrease further next summer.
Premier League clubs could delay Antoine Semenyo deal
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Tottenham have some of their budget leftover to agree a deal for Semenyo.
However, it is understood Semenyo is on Liverpool’s shortlist to replace Mohamed Salah as they look to strengthen out wide.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “It seems to me that there should be interest, but £65m is not so cheap that you’re going to definitely abandon all of your more formal plans for signings.
“You can go through the list in the Premier League of the top spenders and say, are they likely to be in at that price or not? There are not many teams that can pay £65m for any player. Right now, we know who those are.
“Of the long list in terms of not whether they will but could they theoretically, Arsenal you would think probably not. They can afford it, but probably would not move. City could afford it, probably wouldn’t move. It feels unlikely. Liverpool are the same.
“Manchester United are the same and have priorities elsewhere. Chelsea, I doubt they’d move. Newcastle are a maybe, but it’s not a priority position. Following the Isak sale, they would have the capacity probably to do it if they wanted to.”
Semenyo missed Bournemouth’s 2-2 draw against West Ham on Saturday (22 November) after picking up an ankle injury.
Tottenham could ‘make a splash’ with Semenyo deal
Borson revealed Tottenham could make a move to sign Semenyo, but he admitted any deal may have to wait until next summer.
“Tottenham if they want to make a bit of a splash, they have probably got some budget left over,” said Borson.
“It feels quite a Tottenham-type signing. Again, I’m not sure it fits particularly in terms of priority, but he’s obviously a top player and available at a capped fee for now.
“So, opportunistically it might be something that they would do. But equally, I could see it going to the summer.”
Semenyo has registered six goals and three assists in 12 appearances for Bournemouth this season.
He has blown away Man City manager Pep Guardiola this season.
Guardiola said: “He’s an extraordinary, extraordinary, extraordinary player! His energy, his confidence, his movement – unbelievable.“
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