Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly planning a £33.5m move for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo in the summer. Semenyo's fine form this season has also seen the Ghana star linked with a switch to a host of clubs, including league leaders Liverpool.
One former Reds man has even tipped the 25-year-old to succeed Anfield icon Mohamed Salah, should the Egyptian star leave Merseyside at the end of this season. However, there's now talk that Ange Postecoglou is looking to steal a march over Liverpool boss Arne Slot as he attempts to bolster his attacking options with the Cherries winger. Caught Offside claim Spurs are determined to land the gifted attacker, even if they fail to make Europe next season. Yet Postecoglou's plans could be scuppered by Liverpool if the club take advice from former star Michael Owen.
Speaking earlier in the season, Owen claimed Semenyo was the answer to their problems should they fail to offer Salah a new contract and the forward leaves this summer after eight years at Liverpool. "Semenyo is a brilliant player," Owen told Premier League Productions in January.
"He scores goals - and we don't know if Mohamed Salah will stay or leave but, if he leaves, Semenyo should be his replacement." The right-footer can play on either flank and has bagged nine goals and five assists in all competitions this season.
Spurs are said to view Semenyo as a replacement for Richarlison, who could look to move on to the Saudi Pro League after his £60million switch to Tottenham from Everton in 2022 failed to ignite. Semenyo’s stance on leaving Bournemouth, who look set to finish ahead of Tottenham this season, is believed to be favourable, with the report suggesting the ex-Bristol City man is eager to prove himself at the highest level.
While it appears that funds for the move will not be a stumbling block, should Liverpool turn their attention to Semenyo then the move may become a more complex one to pull off for Spurs. The Reds are enjoying a vintage campaign and their pulling power come the summer is expected to be bolstered should they go on to huge success this year - a vital attribute should they do need to recruit a Salah replacement.
While Liverpool are still facing an exodus of three of their top talents in Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Salah, Slot's side are currently 15 points clear of second placed Arsenal, albeit having played a game more. The Anfield outfit also have a huge week ahead of them with the second leg of their Champions league last-16 clash with PSG on Tuesday and the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle on Sunday.
Tottenham, meanwhile, currently sit in 13th in the Premier League and are out of the domestic cup competitions. The Europa League now represents the club’s last chance of ending their 17-year wait for a major trophy this season, but they will have to overcome AZ Alkmaar in their round of 16 second leg after the Dutch side beat them 1-0 in last week's first leg encounter.