TRANSFER RUMOURS: Semenyo picks future club as door opened to Arsenal deal

Robin Bairner

Updated: 11 Dec 2025 14:26 GMT
5 min read

Antoine Semenyo, Transfer rumours — © IMAGO

The January window is edging closer and several major deals are gathering pace, with Antoine Semenyo’s preferred destination revealed and Ayyoub Bouaddi admitting he could leave Lille in the summer.

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Arsenal given hope as Ayyoub Bouaddi hints at summer exit

Arsenal transfer target Ayyoub Bouaddi has admitted that he could leave Lille in the summer despite recently signing a contract extension with the Ligue 1 side.

Current ETV

Ayyoub Bouaddi

M, DM (C)

Lille

Ayyoub Bouaddi

M, DM (C)

Lille

ETV Range

€28.2M - €34.5M

The Gunners are said to be leading the race for the €45 million-rated central midfielder, but Chelsea and Manchester United are also following the France U21 star.

And Bouaddi is not ruling out the possibility of a summer move.

Speaking to L’Équipe, he said: “I have extended until 2029 and next year is still far away.

“I am focused on this season and we have things to fight for. As I also said to the president Olivier Letang, at the end of the season, there will be a choice to be made, and anything can happen. We don’t know what will happen.”

© IMAGO - Ayyoub Bouaddi: Lille midfielder admits Arsenal deal could be on the cards

Antoine Semenyo picks Liverpool as preferred January destination

Bournemouth superstar Antoine Semenyo has picked Liverpool as his preferred January destination amid interest from Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham.

The Ghana international has a €74m release clause that will only be active for a limited period in the winter window to allow Bournemouth enough time to sign an adequate replacement.

Semenyo would be open to joining any of his suitors, but his first choice would be Liverpool, who may be forced to sign an attacker amid the uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah.

Current ETV

Ayyoub Bouaddi

M, DM (C)

Lille

Ayyoub Bouaddi

M, DM (C)

Lille

ETV Range

€28.2M - €34.5M

Pep Guardiola opens door to possible Rodrygo transfer

Pep Guardiola has opened the door to a deal for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo after providing a glowing report on the Brazilian following Manchester City’s 2-1 win at the Bernabeu on Champions League duty on Wednesday.

City were linked with a €100m move for the player in the summer, and Guardiola’s latest update has only fuelled claims that the Premier League title hopefuls will move for the superstar.

“I went to see him after the match. I told him he’s so good. He’s a player on another level… this kid is a player on another level. I’m happy he’s back from injury. He’s really, really good, it’s just impressive,” the former Barcelona boss said.

Current ETV

Rodrygo

F (R), M (RL)

Real Madrid

Rodrygo

F (R), M (RL)

Real Madrid

ETV Range

€67.7M - €82.8M

Transfer rumour round-up

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is “bothered” that two of his team-mates have been given more opportunities than him.

Chelsea have made RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba a new “priority” target for January.

Liverpool fans have been given hope that Mohamed Salah may remain at the club because the Saudi Pro League is not commercially strong enough to attract him.

Manchester City lead Manchester United in the race to sign 17-year-old striker Dell from Bahia. (TeamTalk)

Harry Kane will not activate a release clause worth €65m to leave Bayern Munich in January. (Bild)

Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado is being targeted by Chelsea. (TeamTalk)

Jack Grealish “only has eyes” for Everton as the on-loan Manchester City star aims to remain on Merseyside. (Football Insider)

West Ham have been told that a move for Union SG striker Promise David will be difficult in January. (TalkSport)

Sunderland are targeting a move for France international midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, who plays for Lazio. (Sunderland Echo)

Read more about: La Liga Serie A Bundesliga Ligue 1 Premier League Jupiler Pro League Arsenal B'mouth Barcelona Bayern Munich Chelsea Everton Lazio Lille Liverpool Man City Man Utd RB Leipzig Real Madrid Sunderland Tottenham Union SG West Ham Antoine Semenyo Ayyoub Bouaddi Castello Lukeba Harry Kane Jack Grealish Kobbie Mainoo Marc Casado Matteo Guendouzi Mohamed Salah Promise David Rodrygo