Aston Villa are now racing Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United for the signature of an "electric" Premier League star, who has made a very impressive start to the campaign.
Villa join race for new forward amid lack of goals
It would be fair to say Unai Emery's side fell below their usual lofty standards at the beginning of the Premier League season, with the 3-0 home defeat against Crystal Palace likely to be particularly concerning, but they have since managed to get back on track.
Indeed, the Villans have won their last two matches in all competitions, most recently picking up their first league victory of the campaign courtesy of a fantastic second-half display against Fulham, which culminated in a 3-1 win.
Emery will be relieved his side are finally starting to look better in front of goal, but after failing to score in their opening four league matches of the season, the manager may still be worried about his side's lack of firepower.
As such, according to a report from The Boot Room, Aston Villa have now joined the race for AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, but there could be fierce competition for the Ghanaian's signature, and it may take a huge fee to get a deal done.
Tottenham, Man United and Manchester City are also named as potential suitors for Semenyo, who was valued at £70m back in the summer transfer window, amid links with Spurs.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey also makes it clear that a winter exit is very unlikely to be on the cards, saying: "As it stands, Bournemouth are intent on making progress this summer and that means no sales.
"They have lost the likes of Huijsen, Kerkez and Zabarnyi in recent months and they are insistent Semenyo won’t be following them through the exit doors in January."
"Electric" Semenyo has made flying start to the season
It is no surprise that Bournemouth are reluctant to sanction a January departure, given just how well the 25-year-old has performed in the early stages of the new season, being dubbed "electric" by broadcaster Kris Temple.
The Cherries are currently sixth in the Premier League table, and the Ghana international has been paramount to their success, receiving Bournemouth's Player of the Month and Goal of the Month award for August.
That follows on from a very impressive 2024-25 campaign, during which the winger picked up 11 goals and six assists in the Premier League, helping his side surpass expectations and finish ninth.
There is every indication that Semenyo could be a success at Villa Park, but Aston Villa are well-known to be struggling PSR-wise, which means forking out the potential £70m asking price could be an issue.