Arsenal Step Aside as Liverpool Accelerate Semenyo Pursuit

Arsenal’s stance on Antoine Semenyo has shifted decisively according to Football London, and that change may prove pivotal in Liverpool’s efforts to bring the Bournemouth forward to Anfield. With January approaching and interest rising across the division, the Ghana international has quickly become one of the most intriguing attacking opportunities on the market.

Semenyo Chase Opens Up for Liverpool

The 25-year-old’s release clause, worth £60 million with an additional £5m in bonuses, will activate at the start of 2026. It is a mechanism that allows any club willing to commit the fee to bypass protracted negotiation — and those who act quickly are expected to gain a clear advantage.

Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham have all been monitoring the situation, but Arsenal’s decision not to compete for Semenyo represents a significant development. Earlier this month, the north London club were believed to be conducting internal assessments on several forward profiles, yet recent indications suggest they are withdrawing from the chase altogether.

The outcome leaves Liverpool with a clearer runway, given their long-standing admiration for the player and the pre-existing link via Richard Hughes, who oversaw Semenyo’s move to Bournemouth during his time on the south coast.

With the champions expected to reshape their forward line in the coming months, their interest is understood to be active and well substantiated. The absence of Arsenal from the immediate competition could enable Liverpool to accelerate discussions once the clause becomes live.

Arsenal’s Strategic Withdrawal

Arsenal’s reluctance to engage in another expensive forward acquisition stems from several converging factors. The club’s high summer expenditure has placed them close to UEFA’s Squad Cost Ratio limit, which caps on-pitch spending at 70 per cent of total revenue.

Any major January signing would likely require a high-profile sale — something not expected at this stage. The club are mindful of maintaining stability while their current squad continues to deliver strong performances in the Premier League and Europe.

The club hierarchy also remain confident in their existing attacking options. A variety of profiles, both wide and central, are currently competing for minutes, and there is no internal pressure to disrupt that balance mid-season. That confidence, according to sources close to the situation, is a major factor in their decision to step aside from the Semenyo race.

Semenyo’s Ambition and Growing Market Profile

Semenyo has made no secret of his admiration for Arsenal, but he has also been clear about his ambition to play for elite European clubs should the right opportunity arise. He said previously in an interview with The Athletic:

“I am an Arsenal fan… It is great to play against Arsenal, a team I have watched all my life, and I want to play for the top clubs as well. In order for that to happen I need to prove it… It’s going to take goals, it’s going to take consistent performances.”

His rise in the Premier League has tested Bournemouth’s resolve, and with the time-sensitive nature of his clause, the likelihood of him remaining on the south coast beyond January appears increasingly slim.

Liverpool’s need for dynamism in wide areas, combined with Semenyo’s proven adaptability, pace and work ethic, has made him one of the most suitable profiles available on the current market.

Long-Term Arsenal Planning Continues Elsewhere

While the Semenyo situation has shifted away from north London, Arsenal continue to explore their broader forward strategy for the summer. Gabriel Martinelli’s contract expiry in 2027 remains a future consideration, though the club retain a one-year extension option.

Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz is being monitored as part of standard scouting processes. His significant potential, combined with a contract running until 2029, means any deal would require substantial investment and remains a long-term rather than immediate scenario.

Arsenal are also tracking a number of emerging talents, including Stade Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet and Real Madrid centre-back Victor Valdepena. Neither situation is at an advanced stage, but both fit the club’s wider method of planning windows several months in advance.

For now, the key movement concerns Semenyo — and Arsenal’s decision to step aside may well prove decisive in shaping his next destination.