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Ghana head coach Otto Addo reckons Antoine Semenyo is primed to "take the next step" following transfer speculation linking him with Manchester United and Liverpool.
The Bournemouth winger's future on the South Coast remains up in the air as Premier League teams hover over a potential swoop. The Athletic previously revealed that the Cherries were growing increasingly resigned to parting ways with the 25-year-old, who skippered Andoni Iraola's side against Everton, come January when his £65 million ($85.5 million) release clause kicks in.
Both Liverpool and United have been touted as suitors, while Tottenham showed interest during the summer before he penned fresh terms.
The forward has been in scintillating form this campaign, fuelling talk of a departure, having bagged six goals and registered three assists across 13 Premier League appearances.
Addo reckons it's only a matter of time before Semenyo secures his big-money switch as he praised the Ghana international's qualities. "He has done very well at Bournemouth, but with all the respect for Bournemouth and what they're doing, surely it is natural for him to take the next step," he told The Athletic.
"Whether it's in the winter or summer, it is a difference question, but it won't make a difference for us. I'm looking forward to him showing more of what he can to the world."
Sky Sports has also reported that Manchester City is keen on Semenyo. Tottenham attempted to lure the forward to London during the summer but was unsuccessful in its pursuit as he penned fresh terms at the Vitality Stadium.
Despite Bournemouth suffering significant losses in the transfer window, with the departures of Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid and Milos Kerkez to Liverpool, the Cherries kept hold of manager Andoni Iraola and winger Semenyo, with both continuing to excel.
"I've grown so much at the club, both on and off the pitch, and I'm really happy to have signed ahead of returning for pre-season," said Semenyo after signing a five-year deal
"From the fans to the staff and my teammates, I can't speak highly enough of the people around the club. It's a great place to be, and I'm excited to get back to Bournemouth and continue the hard work with the new season just around the corner."
Following last season's 11-goal haul, Semenyo found the net twice during the team's season opener against Liverpool before Arne Slot's players struck late to salvage their pride after throwing away a two-goal advantage.
He has been touted for a January switch to Anfield as Mohamed Salah's future on Merseyside remains unclear, despite penning a new two-year contract earlier this year. The Egyptian is poised to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations this month, following a less-than-stellar start to the season.
He has faced criticism for not matching the form that propelled Liverpool to Premier League glory last season. In the meantime, United was tipped to be interested in Semenyo during its search for attacking reinforcements.
Ruben Amorim's squad brought in Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko as part of the Manchester club's strategy to bolster its attacking prowess. Semenyo's release clause reportedly has a deadline, but it is designed to give Bournemouth ample time to find a suitable replacement.
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