Sources: Front-runner named as Liverpool and Man City race to sign Semenyo
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(Credit: Imago) Fri 5 December 2025 11:16, UK Antoine Semenyo has been subject to non-stop speculation about his future at Bournemouth, as Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City eye January deals.The 25-year-old signed a new contract during the summer which includes a £65million release clause, placing interested clubs on alert ahead of the mid-season window.As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Liverpool are the current favourites to land the Ghana international despite the rival interest and feel they could lure him to Anfield despite their recent on-pitch woes.This comes after Football Insider revealed on 2 December that Liverpool are the front-runners to sign Semenyo despite uncertainty about whether he will leave mid-season.Despite his release clause being seen as an achievable price for most interested clubs, whether they will be willing to trigger it in January is yet to be seen.Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal race to sign Antoine SemenyoFootball Insider revealed in October that Liverpool have an advantage in the race for Semenyo thanks to Richard Hughes’ connections at Bournemouth.The sporting director signed Semenyo for the Cherries during his spell at the Vitality Stadium, and could now look to bring the player with him once more. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Hughes’ role at Anfield is still seen as a major boost to Liverpool’s chances, placing them in the driving seat despite growing interest from their rivals.Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Yeah, well look, right now Semenyo is probably going to be the most talked about player in the January window.“Liverpool are the front runners for him.
Obviously the links between Richard Hughes, ex-Bournemouth, he signed him when he was in charge at Bournemouth, signing him from Bristol City.“Man City now are also weighing up a move to trigger that release clause as well for around £65million in January, so they’re looking to add more firepower to their team as well. Credit: Imago“Arsenal are admirers, and talking of long-term admirers, Manchester United have also showed an interest in Semenyo as well.
“So as I said, it’s going to be probably one of the transfers to watch for in January.”Man United plan to step up their interest in SemenyoWhile the interest from Liverpool and Man City is thought to be most advanced at this stage, Man United are preparing to finally act on their long-term interest.Former United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 4 December that Man United want to sign Semenyo in January and could accelerate their interest.Ruben Amorim wants to bolster his depth up front alongside “major” concerns about losing both Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo to the Africa Cup of Nations.Credit: ImagoBrown told Football Insider on 29 November that Man United are accelerating their transfer plans as a result of Amorim’s concerns about his missing players.Semenyo has been a long-term target for Man United, as they also considered a move in the summer before he penned a new deal at Bournemouth.For more Liverpool and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.