Chelsea legend Joe Cole has encouraged his former club to explore the signing of AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, who has quickly become one of the most in-demand attackers in the Premier League following a blistering start to the season.
The Ghanaian forward has been in electric form, scoring six goals and providing three assists in just 11 Premier League appearances, attracting interest from several top-flight sides. Reports also indicate that the 25-year-old — who signed a long-term contract earlier this year that runs until 2030 — has a £65 million release clause, making him a potentially expensive but high-impact option.
Chelsea already boast depth in wide attacking positions, having secured the signatures of Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens in the summer, while 18-year-old Estevao has made an immediate impression.
However, Joe Cole believes Semenyo is exactly the profile Chelsea need and insists the Ghana international would walk straight into Enzo Maresca’s starting XI.
“Knowing Chelsea, he might be too old! I’d have to check his age, but from a football perspective, if he’s available and he wants to come, it’s a no-brainer,” Cole said in an exclusive interview with Paddy Power.
“There’ll be a financial and evaluation element to it, but he’d be a welcome addition — and he probably starts because he’s been superb for Bournemouth.”
Meanwhile, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola remains unfazed by speculation surrounding his star forward, insisting that Semenyo is not on the market.
“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 more worried about the players available for tomorrow. When the time comes, we’ll talk about what happens — but it’s not something I’m concerned about today.”
