As Newcastle United push to sign Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, one of their alternatives has made a decision about his future.
Elanga is Newcastle United’s top target right now, but he is not the only winger that is on Eddie Howe’s radar. Newcastle United have other options, as it remains uncertain whether the 23-year-old will arrive at St James’ Park.
Mohammed Kudus is a Newcastle target, but he is also attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. Given their pursuits of the Ghanaian, it feels unlikely that Kudus will move to Tyneside.
Newcastle also like Antoine Semenyo after his incredible season for Bournemouth. The 25-year-old got 13 goals and seven assists in all competitions, resulting in Bournemouth valuing Semenyo at £70million.
Antoine Semenyo celebrates scoring for Bournemouth in the Premier League against Leicester City.
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
Antoine Semenyo speaks after official Bournemouth announcement
That price tag always made it difficult to envision him joining Newcastle United, and now there is an even greater reason to believe that Semenyo is staying on the south coast.
It was announced on Tuesday evening that Semenyo has signed a new contract with the Cherries. He is now committed to Bournemouth until 2030, and his comments on their official website appear to rule out a summer transfer.
“I’ve grown so much at the club, both on and off the pitch, and I’m really happy to have signed ahead of returning for pre-season,” he said.
“From the fans to the staff and my teammates, I can’t speak highly enough of the people around the club. It’s a great place to be and I’m excited to get back to Bournemouth and continue the hard work with the new season just around the corner.”
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Antoine Semenyo to Newcastle United was never likely for one key reason
Semenyo becomes the latest name that Newcastle United can cross off their list of targets.
Given his work off the ball and ability to play on both flanks, it is easy to understand why Eddie Howe was interested in working with Semenyo at St James’ Park. However, it would have been a major shock if the Magpies had struck a deal for the former Bristol City man.
That is because of the price tag Bournemouth slapped on him. A fee of £70million would have made him Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever, eclipsing the £63million that Alexander Isak cost in 2022.
That would not have represented value for money, especially as Elanga is available for £60million. He is younger than Semenyo, so the Magpies would be getting more for their money.
In Bournemouth’s defence, they are right to value him that highly. They are under no pressure to sell, having already seen Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez leave the club. With Illia Zabarnyi also rumoured to be on his way out, the Cherries are already in an incredibly healthy position financially without selling Semenyo.
He is remaining at the Vitality Stadium, while Newcastle continue to pursue Elanga.