Arsenal are likely to miss out on Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, according to The Athletic reporter David Ornstein.
The trusted journalist claims that the Gunners would have considered pursuing the 25-year-old next summer, but the player is angling for a move in January. Assessing Semenyo’s potential suitors, he said:
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“Liverpool are said to have had great admiration for him. They have not moved to the same extent so far, but let’s see if anything changes around the Isak injury situation.
“Tottenham were keen, and I am led to believe they were prepared to pay a significant salary to Semenyo, but he’s politely focusing on other options, mainly City or United.
“Arsenal might have looked at the situation, but more towards the summer, and I don’t think he is willing to wait until that point.”
Semenyo is a self-confessed Arsenal fan
One of the reasons why Mikel Arteta’s side would have been among the favourites to snap up the Ghanaian international is due to the fact that he is a supporter.
Speaking to The Athletic in October last year, Semenyo openly said that he is an “Arsenal fan”, although he emphasised that it doesn’t conflict with him playing against the Gunners.
Based on his remarks, though, he would surely jump at the opportunity to make the switch to the Emirates if the chance ever arose.
Arsenal don’t have £65m to spend next month
To enter the race for Semenyo, the Gunners would need to raise the necessary funds. His release clause stands at £65m and Bournemouth are not interested in letting him leave for anything less.
It means that a sale would be needed for the London club to get involved. Gabriel Martinelli would probably be the prime candidate. He has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia and his departure would create an opening for a player like Semenyo.
However, the chances of Martinelli leaving midseason are pretty low, so that does greatly reduce the prospect of an approach for Semenyo being made.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here