David Ornstein: Spurs reluctant to pay £70m in Bournemouth attacker chase | OneFootball

Tottenham Weigh Up Antoine Semenyo Move Amid £70m Price Tag

Spurs Explore Options Beyond Tel

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly made an enquiry into Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic. However, with no deal currently in motion, the Ghanaian international remains firmly at the Vitality Stadium—for now.

Despite completing the permanent signing of Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich for a fee that could rise to £38.4m, new head coach Thomas Frank is clearly keen to further bolster his attacking line-up. Tel’s five-month loan impressed the Spurs hierarchy, but the Dane is eyeing greater depth and versatility in his frontline.

It’s understood Semenyo would be open to the move, yet Bournemouth’s valuation of £70 million has stalled interest. That steep asking price has also tempered attention from other clubs including Manchester United.

Semenyo’s South Coast Rise

Since arriving from Bristol City in January 2023, Semenyo has grown into a key figure under Andoni Iraola. His output has been impressive—21 goals across the last two seasons, including 13 in 42 appearances during the 2024–25 campaign.

His pace, physicality, and direct style have made him a standout at Bournemouth, and the club’s decision to secure him on a fresh five-year contract in July 2024 underlines their determination to retain him.

From humble beginnings, with loan stints at Bath City, Newport County and Sunderland, to becoming a Premier League regular, Semenyo’s story is one of steady development and ambition.

Mbeumo Still a Target

Spurs are also hoping to reunite Thomas Frank with Bryan Mbeumo, but the Brentford man’s preference is reportedly a switch to Old Trafford. Manchester United have already made an opening bid of £45m with a further £10m in add-ons.

Photo: IMAGO

It’s clear that Frank is attempting to bring in players familiar with his tactical style, and Mbeumo would fit that mould seamlessly. However, as it stands, Tottenham may have to look elsewhere if United push ahead aggressively.

Transfer Strategy Remains Flexible

The inquiry about Semenyo suggests Spurs are actively surveying the market for dynamic, Premier League-proven talent, even if a move isn’t immediate. While Semenyo may not be at the top of the shopping list just yet, Tottenham’s transfer window is far from over.

As the weeks unfold, whether it’s Semenyo, Mbeumo, or another name entirely, it’s evident that Spurs are backing Frank to build a forward line to suit his vision.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Spurs supporter’s perspective, this report is both promising and frustrating. On one hand, the club is clearly active in the market and ambitious about reshaping its forward options under Thomas Frank. But on the other, the recurring theme of being priced out—seen with Semenyo’s £70m tag—echoes the transfer window patterns of recent seasons.

Semenyo would add raw pace and goal threat, but fans might question whether he’s worth such a fee after only one standout Premier League season. That said, the fact Spurs are making enquiries and not just idly observing is encouraging.

The Tel deal shows the club can get business done early and decisively, and if Frank has identified Semenyo as a stylistic fit, supporters would want the board to back that vision. But the financial caution shown here might leave some uneasy, especially if rivals like United end up securing targets like Mbeumo.

In truth, unless Bournemouth drop their valuation or Spurs offload fringe attackers to raise funds, this Semenyo story may just become another case of “what might’ve been.” Still, it’s early in the window, and optimism should remain intact—for now.