Chelsea make Antoine Semenyo transfer decision after January enquiry

Chelsea have now cooled their interest in Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo after enquiring about the in-demand winger on Tuesday ahead of the January transfer window, football.london understands.

The 25-year-old Ghana international is hot property with the window opening in just over a week's time. Despite signing a new deal with the south coast club in the summer, the presence of a £65million release clause has all of the Premier League's top clubs circling.

Interested clubs will not have the entire month to trigger the clause, as it is set to expire on January 10, which is designed to ensure Bournemouth have ample time remaining in the window to source a replacement. Should he remain at the Vitality Stadium, the release clause will then drop to a lower figure in the summer.

It emerged on Tuesday morning that Chelsea were considering a late surge for the winger in order to bolster their attacking options. The Blues did recruit two wingers in the summer in Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho, but they have a long-standing interest in Semenyo, having considered a move back in 2019 when he was still at Bristol City.

However, football.london understands that Chelsea will not pursue a move for Semenyo as things stand. They did make an enquiry and hold strong admiration for the player, but it is believed they have faith in the attackers currently at Enzo Maresca’s disposal.

Chelsea, of course, are not the only club to have considered a move for Semenyo. Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United have all been actively pursuing the player in recent weeks and months ahead of a potential January transfer.

London rivals Tottenham are also believed to be in the mix, but have always been outsiders for his signature. It has been widely reported that the two Manchester clubs have held the most concrete talks with the player’s representatives so far.

Instead, Chelsea's full focus will now be on their upcoming Premier League fixtures against Aston Villa and Bournemouth. The Cherries' visit to Stamford Bridge on December 30 could be Semenyo's last outing for the south coast club if his release clause is triggered in the days that follow.

Maresca's side are currently fourth in the Premier League standings after 17 games played. They are level on points with Liverpool, so further progress will be required to secure Champions League qualification next season.

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