As per CaughtOffside, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is targeting Bournemouth duo Antoine Semenyo and Milos Kerkez for the 2025 summer transfer window.
Both are surprising names on his wishlist, but they carry immense value to their squad. It’s no secret that Bukayo Saka has been playing simply too much football with no proper long-term backup.
Raheem Sterling’s arrival might lighten his burden, but he will not be here in less than 12 months time, pushing the Gunners to look for another solution in the transfer market.
Saka has still played literally every single game for club and country this season. The overdependence didn’t end well, as the academy graduate suffered from a minor knock while on international duty with England.
The North London outfit needs to find a suitable backup, and as per sources, Arteta is a fan of Bournemouth winger Semenyo.
Arteta admires Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo
The 24-year-old spent five years at Bristol City, making 123 appearances in all competitions. He was then signed by the Cherries for just £9 million last summer.
He has since scored 12 goals and provided three assists in 55 appearances, and he has continued his fine form with four goal contributions in seven games this season.
Semenyo has also made 23 appearances for Ghana and is a lethal striker who can play in all three positions upfront. He primarily plays as a right-winger, which makes him an ideal substitute for Saka.
Antoine Semenyo, LW, CF, SS
– Proper ball control
– No weak foot
-scores with both foots
– drives from the periphery to the Centre pic.twitter.com/1YsyBLhhNO— 🐙 (@parteysznx) October 12, 2024
However, Bournemouth value their prised asset at £70m, a fee that Arsenal is very unlikely to cough up. The versatile attacker’s contract runs until 2029, and his value will rise if he continues to showcase such mighty attacking displays.
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Tottenh*m Hotsp*r, Liverpool, and Newcastle United have also shown a keen interest in the player. The competition will be intense, and it remains to be seen how Arsenal will convince Bournemouth to sell the African winger for cheap.
Milo Kerkez also in limelight
The Cherries left-back Kerkez is attracting a lot of attention due to his solid defensive work at the Vitality Stadium. The 20-year-old ace joined them from AZ Alkmaar last year and showed a lot of promise in the Premier League.
He also represented Hungary at the Euros 2024 and was again impressive for Andoni Iraola’s side in his seven appearances this season.
🇭🇺 This clip perfectly encapsulates what Milos Kerkez is about. He will give blood, sweat and tears on the pitch.
The Premier League and Bournemouth are getting an absolute gem – proper blockbuster signing.
Great move for everyone involved. pic.twitter.com/HOy2rAfHkE
— Bence Bocsák (@BenBocsak) July 19, 2023
Arsenal manager Arteta is eyeing the young defender along with Semenyo, even if he has enough options at the back. Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney, and Jakub Kiwior are all fighting for places on the left side of the defence.
However, Tierney and Kiwior face an uncertain future. Similarly, the manager might shift Calafiori and Timber to the centre-back spot, giving roam for additional reinforcements.
Kerkez is one of the brightest full-backs in the English league, and his signature will come at a hefty cost. Bournemouth want £70m for him as well. Another similar issue that might put Arsenal off.
Manchester United are also in the race, and they could go after the Hungarian star to address their constant issues at the left-back spot. As per sources, the Gunners are still interested in roping in both Semenyo and Kerkez for around £67m.
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Even if it looks like a good deal on paper, it’s still unlikely for them to splash such a high fee for the duo, who are yet to prove themselves in the Premier League.
So it will be interesting to see whether they strike first in this deal or walk away in search of other options in 2025.
