Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo has addressed speculation linking him with transfers to Liverpool and Manchester United. He is enjoying an impressive campaign, netting six goals and providing three assists across nine league matches. Semenyo has filled the void left by Dominic Solanke following his departure to Tottenham Hotspur last term.
His displays attracted attention from rival Premier League sides during the summer window, with Semenyo reportedly holding discussions with United manager Ruben Amorim towards the end of last season. He has additionally been mentioned as a potential long-term successor to Mohamed Salah at Liverpool. Nevertheless, despite watching several of his Bournemouth colleagues depart, Semenyo opted to commit his future to the club until 2030.
His fresh contract reportedly contains a release clause and whilst the exact sum remains undisclosed, the Cherries are understood to value Semenyo at £75million.
Whilst numerous players might avoid discussing their prospects, Semenyo has acknowledged he is conscious of the transfer rumours surrounding him, but remains content with his choice to remain at Bournemouth during the summer.
“I don’t think about it too much,” Semenyo told Sky Sports. “I try to stay present as much as I can. You see the news all the time, I see it as well, I’m not oblivious, but I try to keep focused.
“I’m enjoying my football here. If I’m not scoring goals, all of that goes away. I try to stay present, do the best I can for the team, score goals and whatever happens in the future happens.
“When they all left [in the summer], there was a lot of interest and back and forth with the club. But I knew in my head that the manager’s got something up his sleeve this year.
“How we finished off the season last year was so good and we could continue, especially with the players we’ve bought in as well.
“I wasn’t too sure at the start but we’ve kicked on like a house on fire. I’m glad I committed to staying here because I’m enjoying every moment.”
Initial concerns surrounded how Bournemouth would cope this season following the departure of several crucial players during the summer window.
Centre-halves Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi secured moves to Real Madrid and PSG respectively, whilst Liverpool swooped for left-back Milos Kerkez.
The Cherries also approved Dango Ouattara’s permanent transfer to Brentford and needed to recruit a new goalkeeper following former Chelsea loanee Kepa Arrizabalaga’s switch to Arsenal.
Nevertheless, Andoni Iraola’s squad appear to have taken the summer rebuilding in their stride.