Tottenham Hotspur will face an uphill task in their pursuit of Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo
Tottenham Hotspur are enjoying a flying start under Thomas Frank this season. The Lilywhites currently sit third in the Premier League table, just two points behind league leaders Arsenal. There is a growing sense of optimism around N17 that the North London club could finally end their long trophy drought by adding silverware to their cabinet this campaign.
To make that dream a reality, Frank will likely need reinforcements in the winter transfer window, as Spurs aim to compete across all four fronts. Strengthening their attacking options in January will be crucial to maintaining their goal threat and breaking down stubborn opponents. While the summer arrivals of Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, and Randal Kolo Muani have undoubtedly boosted the frontline, there are still a few areas that need addressing – most notably, the left-wing position.
So far, Thomas Frank has rotated between Brennan Johnson – naturally a right-winger – and Wilson Odobert on the left flank. However, neither has managed to make that position their own this season. The Danish tactician has also experimented with deploying Xavi Simons out wide, but it’s clear that the 22-year-old is more effective operating through the middle.
Tottenham keen to go all-in for Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo
Tottenham have identified Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo as a long-term solution for the left-wing problems that persist at N17. The Ghanaian’s future at the Vitality Stadium is in the spotlight once again after it was revealed that his new contract with the Cherries does include a release clause. So, it comes as no surprise that a number of clubs, including Spurs, are interested in his services.
Now, Graeme Bailey has provided on update on Bournemouth’s stance regarding the prolific attacker. As per Bailey (via TBR Football),
“We don’t know too many details on Semenyo, but it has been confirmed he does have a clause; they were inevitable to come out given so many clubs have been asking about him. Bournemouth insist they will not be selling in January, which, of course, they can in theory, but we have to presume they will stick to that.”
The journalist also claims,
“They value the player at well over £70 million anyway, and that would be tough in the January market. Come the summer, the expectation from around the Vitality is that they will sell, but when he does go, it will be a club record.”
Bournemouth are not willing to part ways with Semenyo in January despite the release clause in his new contract at the Vitality Stadium. As Bailey rightly suggests, the Cherries will ask for more than £70m in the winter for the player to fend off potential suitors. They cannot afford to lose him midway through the season, and would expect him to go only for a club record deal.
At present, Semenyo is thriving on the South Coast, having scored six goals and provided three assists in just eight appearances this season. His explosive performances have made him one of the Premier League’s standout players. And it now feels like a matter of when, not if, the Ghanaian earns a big-money move to a top club.
