Antoine Semenyo: Chelsea enter four-club race for Ghana star

The battle for Antoine Semenyo's services turned into an all-out war between the top teams in the Premier League, with Chelsea reportedly joining the race. 

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Semenyo has emerged as one of the most sought-after attackers ahead of the January 2026 transfer window largely because of the £65 million release clause in his Bournemouth contract, which is only active in the first two weeks of the window.

That clause was part of the five-year deal he signed last summer, which runs until June 2030, and it means the 25-year-old Ghana international can leave for a fixed fee if a club triggers it in that short period. 

Semenyo has been in excellent form this season for Bournemouth, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in 11 Premier League appearances, after scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists in all competitions last season.

That release clause has sparked a competitive scramble among Premier League clubs. Manchester United and Manchester City have been most strongly linked and are widely viewed as front-runners, with City reportedly opening direct talks with Semenyo’s camp and United exploring activation by the early deadline. 

Chelsea have now entered the race, making initial enquiries into Semenyo’s terms. Liverpool have also registered interest, even if they are not currently considered among the top contenders. 

Semenyo was reportedly courted by United and Tottenham last summer, even rejecting offers near £50 million before agreeing to his new Bournemouth deal, and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has publicly said he hopes to keep Semenyo for the season, though his club could be “powerless” to stop a clause-activated departure if suitors act early in January.