Chelsea makes first Antoine Semenyo move as Liverpool transfer advantage tested

Antoine Semenyo is wanted by a host of top Premier League clubs during the January transfer window, when he will be available for £65 million ($87 million)

Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth(Image: 2025 Getty Images)

Chelsea has reportedly made an initial enquiry over the conditions of Antoine Semenyo's release clause, which will be active during the January transfer window.

Semenyo has been one of the Premier League's standout players this season, registering eight goals and three assists since the start of the season.

The Athletic's David Ornstein reports that Chelsea intends to sign a new forward next summer, but Semenyo's availability could prompt the club to bring that plan forward to January.

Semenyo's releause clause stands at £65 million ($87 million) and is available to be triggered by any club. However, the clause does expire around two weeks before the January transfer window is due to close, in order to give Bournemouth ample time to source a replacement should the player leave.

Although Chelsea may be interested in signing Semenyo, the Stamford Bridge club will not have a free run at the wide man, with Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool all believed to be keen on him.

The Guardian reported over the weekend that Liverpool is believed to be Semenyo's preferred destination, with Manchester City his second choice, so Chelsea could have a battle on its hands to convince the 25-year-old to move to West London.

Mohamed Salah's apparent decline has intensified Liverpool's need for a new wide forward, while the suspected broken leg suffered by Alexander Isak over the weekend could make a move for Semenyo even more appealing than it already was.

Bournemouth will understandably be keen to keep hold of Semenyo until the end of the season – when his release clause will drop to a lower amount – but the decision is likely to be taken out of the Cherries' hands.

Semenyo has been in good form for Bournemouth this season(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)

Semenyo's name was mentioned to Liverpool head coach Arne Slot during a press conference ahead of the Reds' game against Wolves on December 27.

"My first and only thoughts are on the upcoming games," Slot replied after being asked about the possibility of signing Semenyo and recalling Harvey Elliott amid Liverpool's injury problems.

"Two difficult ones [against Wolves and Leeds] at home. It's a time for the players we have to roll their sleeves up and for the fans to help us to get the results we want. The available players and fans need to give everything they have."