Semenyo to finalise future as Chelsea end interest

Chelsea have decided not to pursue their interest in Antoine Semenyo as the Bournemouth forward starts the process of deciding his future.

The Blues had enquired about the 25-year-old, but will not pursue it further.

Sources with knowledge of the situation have told BBC Sport that four other clubs have asked about Semenyo, to varying degrees, before the January transfer window.

Those clubs are understood to be Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham.

The two Manchester clubs are believed to have had the most concrete conversations so far.

Liverpool have also checked on the conditions of a deal and it remains to be seen if they accelerate their initial interest in light of Alexander Isak's broken leg.

Tottenham are believed to be outsiders for the signature of the Ghana international, who joined the Cherries in 2023 from Bristol City.

Semenyo has a £65m release clause that is only active for the first 10 days of January. That clause was necessary to keep him at Bournemouth when agreeing his new contract in July.

The price, though, will drop slightly in the summer window.

Bournemouth accept they are vulnerable to losing their key player and willing to negotiate with any club prepared to allow him to stay with them until the end of the season.

From a financial perspective, well-placed sources insist interested clubs are all willing to pay a very similar remuneration package to Semenyo, whose final decision will be made with an emphasis on his personal sporting ambitions.

He turns 26 on 7 January and there is a recognition he is entering the prime of his career.

"I know there is lots of noise around him," said Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola. "[It is] not my concern, my concern is it doesn't affect his performances. It is not doing, he is very committed to the team and I hope we can keep him here.

"[A] situation we cannot control, but Antoine right now is our player, going to continue playing for us. If you ask me, I don't want to lose him, definitely don't. But every time the market opens, you never know what is going to happen."

With that in mind, it is understood Semenyo will prioritise a club he believes can provide him with what he views as the most suitable project to compete for major trophies on a long-term basis.

The location and impact on his family will also be a contributing factor, with a decision expected in the coming days.

As Semenyo reflects on his options, it is understood he does not want the saga to become a long drawn-out process.