Chelsea legend Joe Cole has encouraged his former club to explore the possibility of signing AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, who has become one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season.
The Ghanaian international, 25, has attracted interest from several top-flight clubs after a blistering start to the campaign, scoring six goals and providing three assists in just 11 Premier League games. His contract, signed in the summer, includes a £65 million release clause and runs until 2030, making him one of Bournemouth’s most valuable assets.
Chelsea already boast considerable depth in attacking wide positions following the arrivals of Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens, along with the rapid rise of 18-year-old Estevao. Yet Joe Cole believes Semenyo possesses the quality to immediately strengthen Enzo Maresca’s starting lineup.
“Knowing Chelsea, he might be too old!” Cole joked in an interview with Paddy Power.
“But from a football perspective, if he’s available and wants to come, it’s a no-brainer. He’d be a welcome addition to the squad, and he probably starts because he’s been superb for Bournemouth.”
Despite the growing transfer noise, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola insists he is unconcerned about losing his in-form forward ahead of the January window.
“We are in November. Antoine is our player; he will continue being our player,” Iraola said on Friday.
“In January, you can ask me about the market, but right now I’m not worried. I’m focused on the players available for tomorrow and the short-term things that really matter.”
