Chelsea submit investigation into Antoine Semenyo as details of £65m clause emerge

Chelsea have now submitted a request to sign a ‘fantastic’ star, who recently declined to join Tottenham Hotspur, but there could be fierce competition for his signature…

The Blues want to strengthen their squad despite Maresca uncertainty

Enzo Maresca claimed the 48 hours before the 2-0 win over Everton earlier this month were his worst since arriving at Stamford Bridge, and Jamie Carragher went on to say the Italian would not stay in west London beyond the end of the season.

The Sky Sports pundit said: “I don’t think Maresca will be Chelsea manager next season. When you talk about your ownership like that and you speak in public, it’s a big deal.

“And it is not uncertain [who he is speaking about]he talks about the owner and the athletic directors.

Since then there has been even more speculation over Maresca’s future, with it revealed that Manchester City are targeting the 45-year-old as Pep Guardiola’s successor.

The prospect of taking over at City, who have won six of the last eight Premier League titles, would surely be enticing. However, if Chelsea show ambition in the transfer market, Maresca could be tempted to stay, and they have now submitted an inquiry into a January deal for AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

That’s according to an update from Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas on

Tottenham Hotspur were also in the race at one point, but David Ornstein recently revealed that the Ghanaian has now refused a move to north London.

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Semenyo could be ‘fantastic’ by signing for Chelsea

On Tuesday morning, journalist Ben Jacobs revealed it was likely the 25-year-old would leave Bournemouth in the next transfer window, but interested parties will need to act quickly as the £65million release clause expires after ten days.

It’s clear to see why the Bournemouth star is attracting such interest, receiving praise from Spurs boss Thomas Frank, who said: “Semenyo can play wherever he wants – he’s a fantastic player. I think he’s been Bournemouth’s best individual player this season.”

Indeed, the Ghana international is versatile, having featured in the top three throughout his career, and he has eight goals and three assists in the Premier League this season.

The former Bristol City man has also vastly outperformed his xG over the last year, averaging 0.36 non-penalty goals per 90, when expected to average 0.24, indicating he is a clinical finisher.

Liam Delap has struggled to make an impact this season, and Semenyo’s goalscoring record suggests he might be able to push for a start as Chelsea’s striker.