Antoine Semenyo was 'surprised' by Chelsea's 'audacious' swoop to sign him on Monday as he weighed up offers from Manchester United and Manchester City, according to Daily Mail journalist Jack Gaughan.
According to GIVEMESPORT sources, the Blues have instigated initial contact with the Ghana international's representatives, with United and City currently considered the frontrunners to land the Bournemouth star during the January transfer window.
Chelsea are the third Premier League club to firm up their interest in the 25-year-old, with Liverpool still assessing their options following Alexander Isak's injury, while Tottenham Hotspur are no longer active in the race after Semenyo informed them he had other priorities.
Antoine Semenyo has 'Affiliation' With Chelsea
Antoine Semenyo
United and City have emerged as the favourites to sign Semenyo in the opening days of next month's transfer window, with his £65m release clause due to expire on January 10th.
However, Chelsea's interest could throw a spanner in the works of a deal for the two Manchester clubs, with the African attacker having west London roots having been born there.
The Daily Mail has reported that the intervention of the Blues could impact Semenyo's decision-making, with the forward spending Monday deciding between offers from the Red Devils and the Cityzens.
With so many of the top Premier League clubs chasing him, it seems almost inevitable that Semenyo will be on the move in the next couple of weeks.
Should Man United be Worried?
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim looks concerned
It depends on how much location really means to Semenyo. If he wants to be closer to home or live in London, then the emergence of Chelsea in the race to sign could prove to be a game-changer.
But the Ghanaian star will also want the right proposal and project to be offered as he enters the peak years of his career, with things like playing Champions League football becoming an important part of his development.
Man United must make the strongest offer possible and hope it's enough, so if he rejects them they can't have done anything else.
What Next for United and Chelsea?
enzo maresca-1
Both clubs remain in the hunt for a top four spot in the Premier League - with Chelsea currently holding fourth position - with United hosting Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Boxing Day, before Chelsea host third-placed Aston Villa a day later.
It is another opportunity for United in particular to push back towards the Champions League spots, with no European football on offer to Semenyo this season if he were to pick a mid-season switch to Manchester.
Ruben Amorim Related
Alongside Semenyo: Man Utd 'Calling' to Sign 'Elite' Premier League Star - Ornstein
Manchester United have made their interest known in the 23-year-old midfielder.