Chelsea make Antoine Semenyo transfer decision after opening talks over £65m January move | OneFootball

The Blues have held a longstanding interest in the Ghana international

Semenyo, 25, has a £65million release clause in his contract, signed in the summer, at the Vitality Stadium which is active for the first ten days of the January transfer window.

Despite this and an enquiry for the Ghanaian, Standard Sport understands Chelsea will not pursue a deal any further when the winter transfer window opens.

There is a belief within the club that Enzo Maresca’s current attacking options are enough for the remainder of the season and while additions to improve squad will always be considered, it is more likely that any attacking reinforcements will come in the summer transfer window.

In addition, Chelsea are planning to reward their own an existing outperformers across the squad.

Chelsea withdrawing from the race is a boost for Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City, who are all in competition for what is expected to be a fierce battle for Semenyo’s signature.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has spoken of his desire to keep his best player, saying: "I don't want to lose him, definitely I don't want to lose him.

“At the end of situations, myself as a coach, I don't control, I'm not in the negotiations when the players negotiate with the club and they find agreements.

"When you sign a contract, both parties are happy when you sign the contract. But me as a coach, I can only tell you I hope we don't lose him, because it's very, very important for us. But I don't know, I cannot control what's going to happen."