It seems unlikely that Arsenal will pursue Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo if the Cherries stick to their ambitious asking price. Strengthening Arsenal’s attack is a priority this summer, as the club looks to redeem their underwhelming 2024 transfer window.
Last year, they were expected to sign a top-class striker and a versatile winger but failed to do so. Now, expectations are high about those deals.
While significant spending is anticipated for the attack, it’s likely only one marquee attacking signing will be made, with the majority of funds channelled towards securing a striker. A winger acquisition is expected, but it will probably demand a more reasonable transfer fee.
Semenyo could have been that winger, but The Athletic reports that Bournemouth would only consider parting with the Ghana international for a club-record fee. Currently, Dominic Solanke’s £65 million move to Spurs stands as Bournemouth’s priciest sale.
Would Arsenal really be willing to pay over £65 million for Semenyo?
It seems unlikely, especially when Nico Williams—a top alternative—has a more affordable £48 million release clause.
Aside from Semenyo’s high price tag, his potential exit depends on Bournemouth’s other stars, Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez, leaving the club. As The Athletic notes, it’s improbable that all three will depart this summer. Huijsen, with a £50 million release clause, is the most likely to leave, and Kerkez, a less expensive option, may follow. This makes a move for Semenyo all the more complex.
With Arsenal fans demanding a successful transfer window after back-to-back disappointments, one must question why the club would risk getting bogged down in a Semenyo transfer saga. Spending over £65 million on a winger could jeopardise funds for a top-quality striker—something Arsenal cannot afford to compromise on.
I would love to hear your thoughts below Gooners.
Daniel O
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I think the amount invested in a winger will depend on what is invested in a striker. Also think the kind of striker signed will influence the kind of winger- they go together.That said, I like Semenyo because he has a lot of qualities missing in our attack. He adds pace and finishing. As a plus,he’s versatile enough to play across the front three and is already adapted to the league.
Arsenal would most likely not spend £65m for a 25-year-old right-footed winger with unimpressive stats
As you’ve said, Nico Williams will be available for a much-lower price
There will be affordable wingers in the summer as well, such as Karim Adeyemi, Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry
@Gai Semenyo has the potential and he can only get better under Arteta if he is consider. Another preferred option would be Sane because of his Epl experience.but I am not sure Arsenal will want his age bracket for a winger. But Matinelli needs someone to compete with him
I would much prefer Eze over all other options we have been linked with for the lw spot. He can also play equally well from a more central attacking position.
Agree. Eze was my #1 target last summer. Unfortunately, imo, the club didn’t think similarly. In any case, once BM got Olise early on, Palace wasn’t going to make it easy, no pun intended.
He was my second target behind Olise. The worse thing is we could have done it and got both. Nkietah, Nelson and ESR going the other way and the cala and merino money on top
No. We don’t need to spend huge sums of money to buy players. We must avoid it. Sign Igor Paixao for 30M Euros
I really rate Semenyo but that’s way too higher price. There are better or as good alternatives for less. If he were available for a similar price we paid for Trossard then it would be a bargain but £65M is nonsense.
zero chance of this happening
I would prefer Eze regardless of cost.