Fresh PL club storm in with audacious move to hijack United’s January deal for Antoine Semenyo – David Ornstein

Chelsea have reportedly made an attempt to snap up Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo, with Manchester United also in the running for his signature. Semenyo race heating up Semenyo is a man in demand following his blistering start to the 2025/26 season. Currently boasting eight goals and three assists, he is well on his way to matching and then beating the 11 goals and five assists that he notched last year. Interest in him intensified after it was revealed that he is available in January for £65million, which is the value of his release clause. In addition to United, Semenyo also continues to be strongly linked to Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. United and Spurs looked into signing him last summer but pulled out of a deal after learning of Bournemouth’s excessive asking price. A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Semenyo is expected to pick his preferred transfer destination very soon, with United and City seen as the leading candidates to win the race for his services. Now, David Ornstein of The Athletic has revealed that Chelsea have joined the pursuit of the Ghanaian and have even asked about the conditions of getting a deal over the line. Chelsea in for Semenyo Ornstein explains, “Chelsea have made an initial enquiry about signing Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo in January.” “Chelsea had planned to sign a new forward in the summer but have contacted Semenyo’s camp about the conditions of a deal, with a view to potentially accelerating their plans to January.” “The Ghana international was valued at £70m by Bournemouth in the summer, but the sale price for the winter is now formally set at £65m. It must be activated by a specific date, which would give Bournemouth a couple of weeks to replace their best player, and is available to any team.” If Semenyo does not move in January, his release clause will also be active in the summer. Ornstein’s information has been reiterated by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano. Romano wrote on X, “Big battle ongoing for Antoine Semenyo as Chelsea also called today to enquire on deal conditions.” “Manchester United and Manchester City in talks with player’s camp for days, talks remain underway. Liverpool are also interested since November.” 🚨 Big battle ongoing for Antoine Semenyo as Chelsea also called today to enquire on deal conditions. Manchester United and Manchester City in talks with player’s camp for days, talks remain underway. Liverpool are also interested since November. £65m clause expires on Jan 10. pic.twitter.com/hawiWnKELB — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 23, 2025 Meanwhile, the Red Devils are next in action on Friday when they welcome Newcastle to Old Trafford. Featured image Ryan Pierse via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!