Chelsea enter race for Semenyo as £65m clause deadline looms | OneFootball

Chelsea have joined the growing list of Premier League clubs monitoring Antoine Semenyo after making an initial enquiry over a potential January move.

The Blues have contacted the Bournemouth forward’s representatives to understand the conditions of a deal as they consider accelerating plans to add another attacking option.

Chelsea had intended to strengthen their forward line in the summer but opted against a major signing and are now reassessing their options midway through the campaign.

Semenyo is attracting widespread interest following another productive season with Bournemouth, where he has emerged as one of the league’s most influential wide attackers.

The Ghana international has a release clause worth £65 million that becomes active during the January transfer window and is available to any club willing to meet the terms.

That clause is only valid for a limited period, giving Bournemouth a narrow window to plan for a possible departure and source a replacement.

Chelsea are not alone in the race, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool all having tracked Semenyo at various points.

Tottenham Hotspur also explored a move in the summer but are now believed to be focusing on alternative targets.

Liverpool’s interest is understood to be ongoing as they assess their attacking depth amid fitness concerns elsewhere in the squad.

Semenyo’s current contract runs until 2030, placing Bournemouth in a strong negotiating position despite the existence of the release clause.

The 25-year-old has enjoyed an impressive 2025-26 campaign, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in 16 Premier League appearances.

His output has underlined his development since joining Bournemouth from Bristol City in January 2023.

Semenyo has now made over 100 appearances for the club, contributing 30 goals and 13 assists across all competitions.

Bournemouth had previously valued him at closer to £70 million but formalised the lower figure to manage interest in a controlled way.

Head coach Andoni Iraola has acknowledged uncertainty around the winger’s future but insists his focus and commitment remain intact.

The club have recent experience of navigating high-profile exits after several key players departed following last season’s success.

Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi and Dango Ouattara have all moved on in recent windows under similar circumstances.

Ghana head coach Otto Addo has also hinted that a step up would be a natural progression for Semenyo given his performances.

Whether this interest develops into a formal bid may depend on competition, timing and Semenyo’s own preference.

What is clear is that Chelsea’s involvement has added another major contender to one of January’s most closely watched transfer stories.