Antoine Semenyo has already dropped transfer hint as Man Utd verdict given | Football | Sport
Antoine Semenyo has already hinted that he would relish the opportunity to represent Arsenal, as speculation surrounding his future at Bournemouth continues to grow. The forward will be available for £65million during the January transfer window after reports emerged that his new contract, signed merely four months ago, includes a release clause. The Cherries will be powerless to prevent the forward’s departure if a club triggers his clause during the opening fortnight of January and he wishes to move.
Semenyo has emerged as one of the division’s most impressive performers this campaign, netting six times and registering three assists across 12 appearances. He has reportedly attracted interest from Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham. United manager Ruben Amorim is understood to have held discussions with Semenyo towards the conclusion of last season before the player declined a switch to Old Trafford and penned fresh terms.
The former Bristol City talent may well be waiting for an approach from the Emirates, having told the Athletic last year: “I am an Arsenal fan. I don’t conflict the two with my job.
“It is great to play against Arsenal, a team I have watched all my life and I want to play for the top clubs as well. In order for that to happen, I need to prove it.”
Semenyo continued: “Any team that plays Champions League, Europa (League) – that’s the aim. I know that’s not going to come with a click of my fingers, it’s going to take some time.
“It’s going to take goals. It’s going to take a lot of consistent performances. But I’ve worked all my life for that and I’m just going to continue working hard. That’s my mentality.”
United, meanwhile, were recently tipped to elevate their team to the ‘next level’ by bringing Semenyo to Old Trafford.
Bacary Sagna, the former Arsenal defender, told Oddspedia: “Looking forward, if he was to leave Bournemouth and stay in the Premier League, I think Manchester United would be a suitable option for him.
“He could definitely help the club get back to the top end of the league and if he did join them, he’d be regarded as the player which made the difference and take United to the next level.
“He’s young, fresh and has proven he can shine in big games this season, so I think Old Trafford could be a good destination for him.”
However, the Frenchman doesn’t believe that Semenyo should leave Bournemouth just yet. He added: “If I was Antoine Semenyo, I would stay at Bournemouth until the end of the season.
“As a player, moving clubs in the January transfer window can be disruptive. It’s much better to stay until the summer and then make a decision and integrate into the team properly, rather than joining midway through a campaign.”
