According to a report, Manchester United are leading the race to acquire the highly regarded Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo during the summer transfer window. The 25-year-old netted his eighth goal of the Premier League season in the Cherries’ most recent match, leading Andoni Iraola’s team to a 1-0 victory against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Semenyo’s opening-minute goal also placed him in a rare ambipedal group, as he is only one of four Premier League players to net eight goals using both his right and left feet since last season began. Only Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood, and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa have achieved that as well, and Semenyo’s accomplishments have aided Bournemouth in their pursuit of European competition this season. Nonetheless, even if Iraola’s team secures a position on the continent for the 2025-26 season, they might be flooded with proposals for the lively Ghanaian, whose contract extends until 2029. As reported by Sky Sports News, Manchester United is presently viewed as the leading candidate for the striker’s signature this summer, given that head coach Ruben Amorim is a ‘huge fan’ of his attributes. The Portuguese employs two number 10s behind the forward instead of traditional wingers, yet Semenyo excels at moving inward and creating chances, as he demonstrated with his decisive goal against Fulham. Amorim is thus assured he can integrate Semenyo into his strategy next season, but Man United must outpace up to four of their Big Six competitors to secure the deal. Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, and Chelsea are also said to have been assessing Semenyo, while Arsenal remains the only Big Six team that hasn’t demonstrated any interest so far. Nevertheless, interested parties should anticipate being quoted a staggering £70m for the 25-year-old, whose statistics for the Cherries include 19 goals and nine assists in 83 appearances across all competitions. Bournemouth’s demand of £70m for Semenyo signals trouble for Man United, as their co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly blocked a transfer for Viktor Gyokeres because of his £80m valuation. The Red Devils may not gain much money from their Premier League standing, yet their finances could still improve due to Europa League success – leading to Champions League qualification – along with expected player transfers. Semenyo could directly take the place of at least one of Antony, Jadon Sancho, or Marcus Rashford, as none are anticipated to revive their Old Trafford careers unless their loan transfers become permanent. Real Betis would be eager to permanently sign Antony, yet financial constraints might pose a challenge, while Aston Villa reportedly hasn’t reached a conclusion on activating Rashford’s £40m clause. In the meantime, Chelsea’s loan deal for Sancho does feature a buy obligation, yet the Blues can reportedly terminate that agreement and pay a £5m penalty to return him to Manchester.
Semenyo’s form this season has made him one of the standout performers for Bournemouth, playing a vital role in Iraola’s attacking setup. The Ghanaian’s ability to operate across the front line, particularly his versatility with both feet, gives him a unique advantage in the market. His physical strength, quick turns, and sharp finishing have made him a consistent threat in the final third.
Manchester United’s scouting department has reportedly tracked Semenyo since his early days at Bristol City, but his transformation under Iraola has significantly elevated his status. According to internal sources, Amorim believes the player would thrive in his tactical setup, with the manager pushing the board to make a concrete bid once the transfer window opens.
Despite Semenyo’s long-term contract, Bournemouth may have a hard time holding onto him if a formal offer from United or another top Premier League club comes in. While the Cherries have ambitions of European football, the potential of playing at Old Trafford and competing in the Champions League could be difficult for the player to turn down.
The challenge for United will be balancing their financial books amid growing pressure to reinforce several areas of the squad. With Ratcliffe aiming to make smart, sustainable investments, United will need to move players out before sanctioning big-money deals. The club is expected to part ways with Donny van de Beek, Anthony Martial, and possibly Casemiro during the off-season, which could generate funds to reinvest.
Another factor influencing Semenyo’s potential move is the uncertain future of United’s existing attackers. Sancho’s relationship with the club remains fractured despite his improved form at Dortmund, and Antony’s inconsistency has left United exploring permanent solutions elsewhere. Rashford’s dip in form and growing interest from abroad might also prompt a shakeup in the frontline.
With all this in mind, Amorim’s preference for mobile, technical forwards who can interchange in attacking roles makes Semenyo an ideal candidate. The Ghana international has shown he can carry attacking responsibilities in a mid-table team, and the belief is that he can elevate his game further with better service and support.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, remain firm on their valuation. Club executives understand that Semenyo’s performances are attracting increasing attention, and they have no intention of selling unless their asking price is met. Sources close to the south-coast side indicate that they are preparing for interest and are already drawing up contingency plans in case the forward departs.
Should the deal materialize, Semenyo would become one of the most expensive sales in Bournemouth’s history and one of United’s headline summer signings. His arrival would also signal a shift in United’s recruitment policy—targeting proven Premier League players with growth potential rather than high-profile but inconsistent international stars.
As of now, no formal bids have been submitted, but multiple outlets suggest discussions are ongoing behind the scenes. With the transfer window fast approaching, the race for Semenyo is expected to heat up in the coming weeks.
United fans will be closely watching how the situation unfolds, particularly with European qualification still hanging in the balance. Whether or not the club finishes in the Champions League spots could significantly affect their spending power and, ultimately, whether they can secure Semenyo ahead of their rivals.
