2 hours ago
36
Chelsea take on Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge this evening with the subject of Antoine Semenyo's future a big talking point ahead of the Premier League fixture
Antoine Semenyo starts for Bournemouth this evening as they take on Chelsea despite being close to a move to Manchester City.
The Ghana international is reportedly on the verge of moving to the Etihad Stadium and will move officially when the January transfer window opens. Bournemouth have made the decision to start Semenyo this evening for their trip to Stamford Bridge in what looks set to be his final game as a Cherries player.
Chelsea registered an interest in Semenyo earlier this month but quickly pulled out of making a move for the winger. football.london understands the Blues made an initial inquiry to the 25-year-old's representatives back on December 23 as he is someone the club have kept a close eye on for a long time.
Though later in the day, Chelsea decided not to pursue the deal further. And later in the day it emerged that Semenyo had chosen a move to Manchester City, with Liverpool and Manchester United also said to be interested in the Ghanaian.
Chelsea are understood to be happy with the wingers they have at their disposal already, but the possibility of signing Semenyo was an opportunity too good to ignore. Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian all arrived in the summer transfer window, while Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer and Tyrique George are also options on the wing for Enzo Maresca.
For this evening's match, Maresca has made five changes. In come Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, Estevao Willian and Liam Delap. Marc Cucurella misses out due to a hamstring problem.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Acheampong, Fofana, Chalobah, Gusto; Fernandez, Caicedo; Estevao, Palmer, Garnacho; Delap
English (US) ·