Antoine Semenyo announcement: Immediate deal likely, says Ornstein

Robin Bairner

26 Dec 2025 13:48 CST
3 min read

Antoine Semenyo, Bournemouth, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Antoine Semenyo is “likely” to leave Bournemouth in the January transfer window as David Ornstein has made a major announcement on the Premier League’s hottest property.

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Numerous clubs have been linked with the Ghana winger since the summer, but Semenyo’s explosive start to the season has seen interest build ahead of January. He has eight goals and three assists in 17 appearances this season.

Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea have all been linked with the 25-year-old, but Ornstein says that Arsenal would be his top pick if they were to make a solid bid.

Current ETV

Antoine Semenyo

M (RL)

B'mouth

Antoine Semenyo

M (RL)

B'mouth

ETV Range

€46.2M - €56.5M

One of the reasons that Semenyo is seen as so attractive to the Premier League’s Big 6 is that he has a bargain release clause of €75 million (£65m) in his deal. With these clubs also seeking additional firepower for the second half of the season, all are linked with a move for the former Bristol City star.

Bournemouth ideally wanted to retain him until the summer, but it now appears that will be impossible, with Semenyo’s release fee active until 10 January.

Ornstein announced ‘immediate’ move and Arsenal preference

“The strength of interest and Semenyo’s readiness to leave made an immediate switch likely, and all suitors held talks prior to a final decision materialising,” Ornstein writes for The Athletic before revealing the state of play.

“There is a feeling Arsenal would have ranked as his first choice had they been firmly at the table.”

© IMAGO - Antoine Semenyo celebrates scoring against Manchester United

Semenyo appears Man City bound

With an apparent lack of interest coming from Mikel Arteta’s side towards Semenyo at this point in time, the player appears to be destined to move to Manchester City.

Ornstein adds: “City are expected to take steps in the coming days to formalise the situation, but until it is resolved, Bournemouth will utilise their player and keep contingency planning for the event of his exit.”

Until this deal is formalised, meanwhile, Semenyo’s other suitors will be hoping for another dramatic U-turn.