Tottenham are reportedly in the thick of a January transfer battle for Antoine Semenyo, with Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United also vying for his signature. The Bournemouth stat has a £65million release clause in his new contract, which must be activated by a specific date, making a mid-season exit a distinct possibility.

The Ghanaian international kicked off the 2025/26 season in spectacular fashion, netting braces against Fulham and Liverpool, as well as contributing to the Cherries’ victories over Wolves, Brighton and Leeds in a stunning start to the campaign, prompting interest from elsewhere.

This explains why Tottenham’s interest is not only present but potentially growing. Sky Sports claim that Spurs are ramping up their pursuit of Semenyo and appear willing to meet his asking price.

However, competition from Liverpool and Manchester City could throw a spanner in the works. Meanwhile, Arsenal, who are said to be monitoring the situation, have ample cover in wide positions and are unlikely to press ahead with their interest.

Tottenham were previously deterred by Bournemouth’s £70m summer valuation of Semenyo, but they now seem keen to steal a march on their rivals.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola was quizzed about the forward’s future at a press conference last month, with the 43-year-old appearing unfazed by the speculation.

He said: “We are in November. Antoine [Semenyo] is our player, he will continue to be our player. In January, you can ask me about the market.

“But right now, I am not worried about the next market. I am not worried about the situation. In January, we will talk about whatever happened, the players we need.”

Despite bolstering their attacking options with three new signings in the summer transfer window, Tottenham are struggling for balance in their forward line, heavily reliant on Mohammed Kudus on the right wing.

Thomas Frank has experimented with Wilson Odobert, Xavi Simons, Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani on the left flank, while more recently opting for a formation without a traditional wide player, allowing Lucas Bergvall to roam between the touchline and a left-sided No. 8 role.

This tactical shift has highlighted the urgent need for a natural left-winger, especially as Spurs have yet to find a suitable replacement for club legend Son Heung-min. The club appears to view Semenyo as the long-term answer to this issue, but interest from Liverpool could scupper these plans.

Semenyo himself addressed the transfer rumours, explaining why he decided to commit his immediate future to Bournemouth during an interview with Sky Sports. He said: “I don’t think about it too much. 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 [his former team-mates] 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.”