Antoine Semenyo: Arsenal unlikely to sign Man United target in January

Manchester United are expected to further invest in the squad in the winter, having enjoyed great success with their summer endeavours.

The Red Devils invested over £200 million in Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens. Barring Sesko, who has endured a slow start to life at Old Trafford, all of their new signings have hit the ground running.

The English giants have enjoyed a resurgence this season, propelled by the performances of their new arrivals. United are currently on a five-game unbeaten run and could move to within two points of second-placed Chelsea if they secure a win against Everton on Monday, 24 November.

INEOS are already planning for the January transfer window, and, according to a report relayed by The Peoples Person , they have set their sights on Antoine Semenyo .

Semenyo has been on fire for Bournemouth this season, registering six goals and three assists in 12 games across competitions.

Source: Premier League Website

With Sesko currently sidelined with a knee injury, and Mbeumo and Amad Diallo expected to miss a few games due to their involvement in AFCON, United have turned to Semenyo ahead of the winter.

The Ghanaian reportedly has a £65 million release clause in his contract, which can be activated in January. Previous reports have suggested that Arsenal are also hot on the heels of the 25 year old, but the latest update on the situation will delight Red Devils fans.

According to the Mirror , Arsenal could struggle to sign the player in January due to UEFA Squad Cost Rules constraints.

“Antoine Semenyo’s incredible form over the past two seasons, along with his openness about being an Arsenal fan, has seen the Gunners linked with the Bournemouth sensation in recent months.

“But it is highly unlikely that Arsenal will pull off a transfer for the Ghanaian, who is said to have a £65million release clause in his contract.

“Although the Gunners remain compliant with PSR rules, they are believed to be sailing close to the wind where UEFA Squad Cost rules are concerned after their record-breaking summer spending spree.

“It is therefore understood that, barring any major sale on their part, January is set to be a quiet month in terms of transfer business in N5.”

The report, however, adds that Arsenal could return for Semenyo in the summer if he ends up staying at Bournemouth until the end of the season.

“Should Semenyo stay at the Vitality Stadium until the end of the campaign, when his release clause will decrease, Arsenal could change their position, particularly if Gabriel Martinelli is offloaded.”

Acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano has recently stated that Semenyo’s release clause will fall to £50 million next summer.

Semenyo could add another dimension to Ruben Amorim’s attack, making this move a no brainer for United. The Ghanaian is versatile enough to play across the front three, which also makes him a superb fit for the Portuguese head coach’s plans.

Amorim could deploy Semenyo as a No. 9 to cover for Sesko and even utilise him as a left wing-back if required. Reinforcing the midfield is expected to be the Red Devils’ priority in 2026, but they cannot afford to miss out on Semenyo.

United teams of old were always built on multiple attackers competing for a first team place. Semenyo’s potential January arrival could keep the rest of the squad on their toes and give Amorim’s team a significant boost in their quest for a top-four finish.

Featured image Lewis Storey via Getty Images

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