Tottenham are currently not moving forward with a deal for Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo after learning the Cherries' valuation of the winger.
Spurs have a long list of Premier League attacking targets as they aim to best prepare their squad for its first season at the helm with Thomas Frank in charge. Champions League football beckons, and a mini-makeover is required in N17.
The club's first notable move of the summer saw Mathys Tel join permanently from Bayern Munich off the back of his six-month loan, but more moves are expected to be made to the frontline, especially if Son Heung-min departs after the pre-season tour.
There's no clear idea of whom Spurs' priority target is, but there's been an attempt to make a move for Semenyo. However, Bournemouth are asking for too much of Daniel Levy's cash.
Tottenham not willing to meet Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo asking price
🚨 Tottenham Hotspur have enquired to Bournemouth over Antoine Semenyo. #THFC possibility appeals to 25yo winger but #AFCB valuation of Ghana international deemed too high & Spurs (like Manchester United) not proceeding at present. W/ @SebSB @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/Kf56R5pqXi
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 20, 2025
The Cherries must be frustrated by the gutting of their defence at the start of the summer window, with Dean Huijsen joining Real Madrid and Milos Kerkez heading to Liverpool. Paris Saint-Germain are also after Illia Zabarnyi, but they've so far rejected a couple of bids.
Further up the pitch, Semenyo operated as Andoni Iraola’s X-factor powerhouse who enjoyed the most prolific season of his senior career, scoring 11 times in the Premier League. Bournemouth, who harbour grand aspirations, don't want to lose him, and they're currently asking potential suitors, including Spurs, for £70m.
The Athletic report that Johan Lange and company have enquired about Semenyo, but the Cherries' hefty valuation is currently deemed to high. As a result, they're 'not proceeding' with the deal.
Now, those who fancy a bit of transfer window excitement may be disappointed, and there will be some decrying a "lack of ambition" for not meeting Bournemouth's demands. The news arrives just days after Daniel Levy stated his desire to win everything off the back of our Europa League success, and many are now waiting for the chairman to walk the walk by backing the new manager with a healthy summer kitty.
However, dedicating £70m towards Semenyo would not be wise. That's just far too much money for a player who, while destructive and unique in profile, can be mightily wasteful and is prone to blowing hot and cold. I like him, but given Frank's track record of developing forwards, I don't think we should be breaking the bank for a player of Semenyo's ilk.
If we are to spend big, it has to be in central defence (if Cristian Romero leaves) or at the base of midfield.