Club Is Not Ready To Sell This 25-Year-Old Aston Villa Target: Do The Lions Need Him? | OneFootball

Aston Villa’s growing ambition under Unai Emery continues to shape headlines, and they are now linked with yet another forward. Reports suggest that interest in Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo could spark a transfer battle in the coming months, even if his current club insist they are not open to selling him in January.

The 25-year-old attacker stayed at Bournemouth during the summer window, but suitors seem ready to line up again with renewed intent. According to Graeme Bailey of TBR Football, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also keeping tabs on the winger, alongside Villa, and all three clubs remain keen to see how the situation unfolds.

How has Semenyo performed?

Semenyo has been a standout performer for the Cherries, possessing pace and strength to stretch defences, while staying loyal to the club after the summer speculation. However, Bournemouth are uninterested in letting him go midway through the campaign, especially as they look to build further stability under Andoni Iraola. That stance delivers an immediate blow to the chasing clubs, many of whom hoped to make a move mid-season.

The London-born forward has a contract at the Vitality Stadium until 2030, which further strengthens Bournemouth’s negotiating position. A January exit looks highly unlikely, and attention may instead shift towards the summer when bigger deals and longer negotiations are more realistic.

Do Aston Villa need him?

LEEDS, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 27: Antoine Semenyo of AFC Bournemouth celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Bournemouth at Elland Road on September 27, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The debate over whether Aston Villa need Antoine Semenyo rests on his qualities and the club’s current attacking structure. The 25-year-old offers explosive pace, a strong physical presence, and the ability to operate across the front three. He also presses relentlessly, creates chances, and is capable of finishing with either foot. These are traits that would suit a side that needs greater attacking spark.

Villa already have Ollie Watkins as their main striker, with Morgan Rogers among those developing, but their shot numbers and chance creation have dipped this season compared to last. While Semenyo is not a direct replacement for Watkins, his versatility and energy could give Emery fresh tactical options.

The main challenge is the price tag. Bournemouth tied the Ghana international down until 2030 and value him at around £70 million, making any deal significant. Ultimately, Emery and the board must decide if his pace, power, and versatility can reignite Villa’s attack and justify such a major outlay.