Manchester United have been handed a boost in their potential pursuit of Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo amid Rúben Amorim’s desire for further attacking reinforcements.
Manchester United are keeping a close eye on Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo after his rapid rise in the Premier League over the last year and a half.
After a standout season on the South Coast, Rúben Amorim’s side lodged a £50 million bid for the Ghanaian forward, which Tottenham Hotspur matched. Bournemouth rejected both approaches, and Semenyo went on to sign a new contract.
At the time, it was claimed that Amorim and Semenyo even met for dinner, with United settling personal terms with the player but failing to strike a deal with Bournemouth.
His new deal included a pay bump alongside a release clause, which is now understood to be £65 million in January before dropping in the summer.
Arsenal unlikely to sign Semenyo in January due to UEFA rules
Semenyo’s wonderful form this campaign thus far has not only justified United’s continued interest in the player but also piqued the interest of the biggest clubs worldwide. Add to this that he has a release clause, and suddenly the race for his signature feels wide open.
However, with other Premier League sides such as Arsenal, Liverpool, and Tottenham reportedly tracking the Ghana star, the former is said to be effectively out of the running due to current UEFA spending rules.
According to The Mirror, due to their high summer spending, which included hefty transfer fees for the likes of Viktor Gyökeres and Eberechi Eze, they are very close to breaching UEFA Squad Cost rules, making Semenyo’s £65 million January release clause a step too far.
Although their position may change in the summer if Semenyo remains available, especially if Gabriel Martinelli were to depart, they are effectively ruled out of the race for him in January, leaving United with the potential to pounce.
United still looking for flair and speed in attack
Despite spending over £200 million on a new-look front three of Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, United are still looking for further attacking reinforcements in 2026.
United let go of five senior forwards either permanently or on loan last summer, with Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and Rasmus Højlund all expected to be released or sold in the summer window.
According to Fabrizio Romano, United are looking to bring in a player who can play as a winger or as a No. 10 behind the striker, with the transfer expert describing their desire for a player who is “electric, skilful, talented, and fast” to add to their front line options.
With United hoping to finish in European places next season and dramatically increase their schedule, bringing in quality attacking reinforcements such as Semenyo while bleeding in Academy talent such as Shea Lacey and Chido Obi could be the best route forward next summer.
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