Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo has rejected interest from Tottenham Hotspur despite a potential ‘significant’ salary offer, journalist David Ornstein has revealed.
The Ghanaian forward will not be taking his talents to North London when the transfer market reopens next month, despite long-standing interest from Spurs.
Ornstein says Semenyo is ‘focusing on other options’ at the minute as he is expected to depart the Dorset coast in January, with Manchester City and Manchester United believed to be front-runners for his signature.
Semenyo is available via a £65m release clause next month, active in the early days of the winter market.
Semenyo Snubs Move to Spurs
Ornstein, speaking on NBC Sports, revealed that Tottenham were very keen on Semenyo and were prepared to pay a ‘significant’ salary to the 25-year-old winger:
“Tottenham Hotspur were very keen, and, I'm led to believe, were prepared to pay a significant salary to Antoine Semenyo, but he politely is focusing on other options.”
Semenyo has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in 16 appearances.
Only Erling Haaland (19) and Igor Thiago (11) have more goals than the Ghanaian forward this term, while Semenyo also ranks joint-11th in assists among all players in the league.
The 'world-class' 25-year-old scored Bournemouth’s only goal in the 1-1 draw with Burnley, his second of the week after netting in the 4-4 draw with Manchester United.
Bournemouth’s league position is unlikely to do them any favours in their hopes of retaining Semenyo until the end of the campaign, with the Cherries failing to win their last eight games and sitting 14th in the table after 17 games.
Another Premier League Star Snubs Tottenham
Tottenham failing in their pursuit of Semenyo marks another player the North London side have missed out on in recent months.
Spurs were forced to accept defeat numerous times during the summer transfer window, with their targets Bryan Mbeumo, Eberechi Eze, Savinho and Morgan Gibbs-White either staying put or choosing to join their Premier League rivals.
Tottenham have been underwhelming under head coach Thomas Frank this season, winning six of their 17 games.
The Lilywhites have taken just five points from the last possible 24 and suffered a 2-1 defeat to reigning champions Liverpool on Saturday.
Sitting 13th and level on points with Bournemouth, Spurs visit Crystal Palace on Sunday in their final game of the year.