Report: Why Antoine Semenyo is leaning towards a Liverpool move instead of his childhood club Arsenal.
Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo continues to be heavily linked with a January transfer, with the club reportedly open to cashing in on their in-form attacker.
Semenyo attracted interest in the summer as well, turning down approaches from Manchester United and Tottenham before signing a new deal that included a £65m release clause. That fee is now within reach for clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal, who are both monitoring him closely.
Right now, Liverpool are believed to be leading the chase.
Semenyo said to favour Liverpool over Arsenal
Despite openly supporting Arsenal as a child, new reports claim Semenyo’s preference is Liverpool.
Football Paparazzi state that his decision is driven by footballing reasons rather than emotion — mainly the chance to walk into the starting XI straight away.
Their source explained:
“For a player like Antoine, performing at the very top of his game, the choice won’t be sentimental. It’ll be about where he becomes a guaranteed starter immediately. Right now, that club is Liverpool.”
With Mohamed Salah expected to miss several weeks due to AFCON, Semenyo would have a clear pathway into Liverpool’s attack. The recent arrival of Richard Hughes — who previously worked with Semenyo at Bournemouth — is also believed to strengthen Liverpool’s position.
His past admiration for Arsenal
Semenyo has been open about his love for Arsenal, admitting to The Athletic last year that he grew up supporting the club. He also expressed ambitions of playing for a top side competing in Europe.
He said:
“I am an Arsenal fan… it’s great to play against a team I’ve watched all my life. I want to play for the top clubs as well, but I know it will take time, goals and consistent performances.”
While Arsenal would satisfy his emotional ties, current reports suggest his professional ambitions — specifically the chance for immediate, guaranteed minutes — make Liverpool the more appealing destination at this stage.
