£65m Release Clause Activated? Semenyo To Chelsea Rumors Explode

As of November 22, 2025, Chelsea continue to be heavily linked with a move for Bournemouth’s in-form forward Antoine Semenyo, though no formal agreement has been reached. The 25-year-old Ghanaian has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season, scoring 10 goals and supplying 6 assists in all competitions as the Cherries maintain a solid mid-table position.

Semenyo’s blend of pace, power, and end product has drawn interest from several top clubs, including Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester City, and Arsenal—despite his playful admission of supporting the Gunners as a child.

Reports from Spanish outlet Fichajes claim Chelsea are “preparing a €90m (£78m offer)” ahead of the January transfer window, a fee that would eclipse Bournemouth’s record sale of £65m (received for Dominic Solanke’s move to Tottenham last summer).

The move would fit Chelsea’s ongoing squad rebuild under Enzo Maresca, with the club viewing Semenyo as a potential upgrade on the right flank, where recent signings such as Pedro Neto and Jamie Gittens have struggled for consistency. Earlier this month, BBC Sport also reported Chelsea’s readiness to pay around £78m, while ESPN noted Bournemouth’s valuation of approximately £75m for interested clubs.

Release Clause Details

A key factor is Semenyo’s contract. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the forward has a £65m release clause (£60m guaranteed plus £5m in add-ons) that becomes active in January. This would make any winter transfer relatively straightforward—Bournemouth would be powerless to block the move if the clause is met.

Ornstein has also suggested that Chelsea could explore structuring the deal with add-ons or potential player swaps to keep the fee lower. However, outlets such as Chelsea News report that the club may consider their wide options “well stocked” following summer arrivals like Alejandro Garnacho and Estevao Willian, making a January move for Semenyo “unlikely” at this stage.

On November 21, former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole added fuel to the speculation, urging the Blues to make a move for Semenyo if the forward is open to joining. Cole called the deal “a no-brainer,” saying Semenyo would be “a welcome addition… and he probably starts,” though he joked that the player’s age—25—might not align with Chelsea’s current youth-driven recruitment strategy.

Liverpool, however, appear to be leading the race. David Ornstein has identified the Reds, along with Tottenham and Manchester City, as the “three teams genuinely in the frame.” Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano recently suggested there is a “60–70% chance” Liverpool will activate Semenyo’s release clause. Should Arne Slot push ahead, Chelsea’s route could be blocked, especially given Semenyo’s tactical flexibility and suitability for multiple systems.

Pep Guardiola Full Of Praise For Antoine Semenyo: “Extraordinary Player!”

Signed from Bristol City for £10 million in 2023, Semenyo has rapidly developed into one of the Premier League’s most dangerous wide forwards—ranking second only to Erling Haaland in non-penalty goals per 90 minutes this season. His WhoScored rating of 7.8 surpasses that of several current Chelsea wingers, and his profile fits seamlessly into Enzo Maresca’s high-pressing, fluid attacking structure.

Even so, Chelsea are viewed as “unlikely” to launch a major pursuit, with the club expected to prioritise midfield and defensive reinforcements in January. But if the Blues do enter the bidding, a frantic winter chase could unfold, with multiple rivals already circling. And with lingering talk of Semenyo’s childhood ties to Arsenal, the transfer saga may yet take another unexpected turn.