Softfootball understands that Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has moved quickly to shut down talk linking the club with a January move for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, making it clear that transfer discussions are not his priority at the moment.
Speaking during a pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League meeting with Aston Villa, as reported by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account.
Maresca was asked about reports suggesting the Blues were preparing a move for Semenyo. His answer was short, almost dismissive.
He said:
Enzo Maresca, when asked about Semenyo deal: It’s not my focus. I’m in love with the squad we have.
Those words echoed across several press outlets within hours, underlining Chelsea’s current thinking.
While earlier reports had claimed that Chelsea enquired about Semenyo after his £65 million release clause reportedly became active in January, any serious pursuit has now cooled. Softfootball later reported that Chelsea has decided against the Antoine Semenyo deal.
Internally, Chelsea believes their attacking options are already strong enough. Players like Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittens, Estêvão, and Tyrique George provide depth and variety on the wings.
Cole Palmer, though mainly operating as a number ten, can drift right when needed, which kind of closes the door further.
With Chelsea stepping back, Manchester City have quietly moved into pole position for Semenyo. The Bournemouth forward is said to be open to an Etihad switch, despite interest from Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham, who somehow appear twice in certain reports.
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola hasn’t been rattled by the noise. He acknowledged the speculation, praised Semenyo’s consistency, and stressed the player remains focused and committed.
On the pitch, Semenyo has been outstanding this season, scoring eight goals and adding three assists in the 2025–26 Premier League campaign. Interest is expected. Chelsea, though, seems content to watch from a distance, trusting their process, even if not everyone agrees with it.
