Bournemouth plot Leicester City raid as Antoine Semenyo exit to Man City looms | OneFootball

A key Leicester City figure has added a third Premier League club to the list of interested parties

Bournemouth are reportedly eyeing a deal for Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu as the January transfer window nears.

That’s according to a report from the Daily Mail, who state that the Cherries see Fatawu as a direct replacement for Antoine Semenyo.

The latter is closing in on a move to Manchester City, with his representatives travelling to Manchester recently to conclude the deal.

That means the Foxes will know exactly how much Andoni Iraola’s side will have to spend, and are in a strong position to hold out for a good deal.

Bournemouth eye Abdul Fatawu following other Premier League interest

The Daily Mail report claims that the Premier League outfit are “exploring a move” for Fatawu as a potential Semenyo replacement, the pair having played together a handful of times for Ghana.

It was also revealed in the article that Bournemouth have enquired about Nottingham Forest attacker James McAtee, but Fatawu is thought to be a better fit for the vacancy that Semenyo will leave.

They aren’t the only top-tier side to take an interest in the Leicester man, with Sunderland and Everton also believed to have asked about his availability in the summer.

Crystal Palace were also exploring a deal for Fatawu prior to his signing from Sporting, so it remains to be seen whether any of that trio reignite their interest to challenge Bournemouth.

It is clear why Abdul Fatawu is attracting attention

Fatawu is midway through what is already a strong season for the Foxes, netting four goals and providing seven assists in 24 Championship outings.

That’s as part of a Leicester side somewhat struggling to adjust to the second tier after their one-season Premier League stop, currently lying in mid-table at the halfway point of the season.

It follows a relatively quiet experiment in the top tier, the Ghanian having made just 13 appearances, registering two assists, last season in the top tier.

But his first season with the Foxes, producing seven goals and 13 assists, shows the quality of the wideman, suggesting that he just needs some coaching and a gentle introduction to the higher level, surrounded by better players, which he undoubtedly would be at the Vitality Stadium.

It is also key to point out that all this comes before Fatawu has even reached his 22nd birthday, so he still has plenty of developing to do.

While Leicester are unable to put forward a convincing argument that they may soon have Premier League football back, the rest of their current situation with Fatawu looks strong.

After a successful loan spell, the Foxes triggered the buy option in the winger’s contract and signed him to a five-year contract in the summer of 2024.

The Daily Mail claim that Leicester were holding out for over £30m in the summer, and baking in the inconvenience of losing a key player in the middle of the season, should be able to demand that and maybe more.

It is now common knowledge that Semenyo’s release clause is set at £65m, which makes Leicester’s position even stronger, as they know exactly what Bournemouth’s budget is.

Losing Fatawu in the middle of the season would not be great for Leicester, but they have everything in place to ensure they can make the most of the negotiation.