Report: Spurs eyeing £40m Ligue 1 star as Antoine Semenyo alternative | OneFootball

Spurs reshape winger search after Semenyo setback

Tottenham’s January plans have required swift recalibration. As reported by Spurs Web, the club have identified an alternative attacking option after conceding defeat in the race to sign Antoine Semenyo. Spurs were prepared to push hard, even to “break the bank” and offer a lucrative package to tempt the Bournemouth forward to N17 ahead of Manchester or Liverpool, but the odds were always long.

Photo IMAGO

Those doubts were confirmed when Fabrizio Romano delivered what was described as the final nail in the coffin, revealing that Tottenham had dropped out of the race. Pragmatism has since taken over. Spurs had contingency plans in place, aware that Semenyo’s popularity among elite Premier League clubs made any deal extremely difficult.

Monaco winger moves into focus

Attention has now shifted to Ligue 1. TEAMtalk report that Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche has emerged as a leading alternative. While Semenyo was Tottenham’s top priority, the North London club have long admired Akliouche and have been tracking his development closely throughout this calendar year.

The 21-year-old has contributed three goals and four assists across all competitions this season, figures that hint at promise rather than finished product. Spurs are said to have been impressed by his progress, seeing him as a player with significant upside rather than an instant headline signing.

Photo IMAGO

Financial sense and competition

One factor working in Tottenham’s favour is price. Akliouche is expected to cost around £40m, considerably less than Semenyo. That valuation reflects both his age and potential, but also the realities of Monaco’s market position.

However, competition remains. PSG are also admirers, and Spurs are aware that any deal may require decisive action. There is an additional tactical question. Tottenham’s preference is to sign a left winger, while Akliouche has produced his best football from the right, a detail that complicates the picture.

Calculated adjustment rather than retreat

This feels less like retreat and more like adjustment. Tottenham have accepted the realities of the Semenyo pursuit and pivoted quickly. Whether Akliouche proves attainable, or appropriate, will define how convincing that adjustment looks when January arrives.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Semenyo felt like a statement signing, a Premier League ready winger who could make an immediate impact at Spurs. Dropping out of that race reinforces a familiar frustration, that Tottenham often aim high but fall short when elite competition emerges.

At the same time, there is a degree of realism among fans. Paying a premium in January for a player chased by Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool was always going to be a gamble. The idea that Spurs had contingency plans is reassuring, suggesting lessons have been learned from previous windows where alternatives arrived too late.

Akliouche, though, raises valid questions. Supporters will like the age profile and the £40m valuation, which feels more aligned with Tottenham’s usual business. Yet there is scepticism about whether another right sided attacker fits the squad’s actual needs, especially when a left winger is the stated priority.

Competition from PSG also worries fans, as it evokes memories of deals slipping away at the final hurdle. Ultimately, Spurs supporters want clarity. If Semenyo was unattainable, move decisively and commit to the alternative. Hesitation, more than choice of player, is what tends to undermine belief.