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Liverpool get Antoine Semenyo boost as Bournemouth chief admits – ‘Who are we to say no?’

Liverpool are reportedly chasing Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo after his strong start to the season and have now been given encouragement to make a move for the winger

Antoine Semenyo is at centre of transfer

Arne Slot may have been handed a boost in his pursuit of Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, after the club’s general manager admitted the Cherries would find it hard to turn down a club of Liverpool’s size. Tim Bezbatchenko, director of Black Knight Football Club and general manager at Bournemouth, was speaking on the Business of Sport podcast.

The former United States international was asked about the Cherries selling several prime assets this summer, including Milos Kerkez to the Reds and centre-back Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid. Bezbatchenko conceded that there are certain clubs that Bournemouth cannot say not to, mindful that they don’t want to obstruct players taking on their dream clubs.

“When a club like Real Madrid, Liverpool, PSG come in and they’re competing for Champions League positions, who are we to say, ‘No, you can’t go, you can’t fulfil your dream’,” he said. “No it wouldn’t be like that for all clubs because not everyone is Real Madrid.

“But there is an opportunity and everybody wins right? I think that’s what we’re trying to find, this commonality where everybody can win.”

Bezbatchenko’s words will no doubt be music to the ears of Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes. Hughes was the man who originally brought Semenyo to Bournemouth in his former role at the Cherries and will be hoping Bezbatchenko’s admission means the Reds can test Bournemouth resolve for the lightning-quick winger in January or the summer.

READ MORE: Liverpool news: Arne Slot replacement shortlist emerges amid new triple contract dilemmaREAD MORE: Harvey Elliott’s Aston Villa nightmare, loan clause and chance of Liverpool return

The Ghana international has scored six goals and bagged three assists in 11 Premier League games for Bournemouth so far this season. He also scored a brace at Anfield in Liverpool’s opening weekend clash with the Cherries.

It’s understood that Semenyo has a release clause in his contract. However, while it’s unclear just how much the figure is, Bournemouth are said to value him

Liverpool will face steep competition for the star should they elect to bid. Manchester United and Tottenham were linked with a summer move for Semenyo with Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim even said to have met the player for dinner at the end of last season.

It has been suggested Liverpool could make a move as soon as January with the Reds lacking the outlet and creativity of a speedy winger. With the departure of Luis Diaz, Reds boss Slot has found himself relying solely on Cody Gakpo on the left flank

Florian Wirtz hes of promise on the wing, but that doesn’t appear to be where the manager envisages him long term. On the other side, Mohamed Salah is under genuine scrutiny for the first time in his legendary Anfield career.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has played down any prospect of Semenyo’s potential exit however. Asked about a release clause, the Spaniard remained elusive.

“I don’t know anything about the contracts of the players. I don’t know how much they earn and don’t want to know either,” he said.

“The most important thing for me is that he continues playing well. If he does there will be more noise but it’s something we take if he’s playing well. My concern is to keep him in the spot where he’s playing well.”

Zidane Set to Take Over at Anfield After Arne Slot Exit

Liverpool fans finally have something to cheer about after months of speculation. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Reds have officially reached an agreement with Zinedine Zidane, who is ready to replace Arne Slot at Anfield on a three-year deal.

The deal reportedly includes a £20 million fee, which Liverpool are set to pay to finalize the move. Sources confirm that all parties are on board, and the only remaining step is the formal announcement, which could come within the next 48 hours.

Zidane, a three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, brings a wealth of experience and European pedigree, something Liverpool fans hope will restore their team’s dominance after a turbulent season.

Fans React: Relief and Excitement Across Anfield

The news has sent shockwaves across the footballing world. Fans took to social media to express joy, relief, and cautious optimism.

One Liverpool supporter wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“Finally! Zidane at Liverpool! The club needed a manager of his caliber — this is huge for the future.”

Another added:

“£20m for a manager? Worth every penny if he can bring us back to glory. Klopp left a legacy, but Zidane can take us even further.”

The sentiment is clear: Anfield is buzzing with anticipation.

Can Zidane Uphold Klopp’s Legacy?

Replacing a legend like Jurgen Klopp is never easy. Zidane faces the dual challenge of managing expectations and navigating a squad in transition. Liverpool have struggled in recent months, leaving fans desperate for a strong leader to restore confidence on and off the pitch.

Insiders suggest Zidane’s tactical flexibility and experience in European competition were key factors that convinced the board to move quickly. Analysts believe he could implement a style that combines Klopp’s pressing philosophy with a more structured defensive system.

Arne Slot’s Departure: A Turbulent End

Arne Slot’s reign at Liverpool was marked by high-profile signings but inconsistent results. Despite significant summer investments, the Reds struggled to find form in the Premier League and Europe, leaving the board with little choice but to act.

Zidane’s arrival signals a new era at Anfield, and the club is hoping the Frenchman can stabilize the team and challenge for major trophies immediately.

What This Means for Liverpool’s Transfer Plans

Zidane’s presence at Anfield is expected to have a direct impact on the club’s upcoming January transfer window plans. Sources suggest the manager will have a strong voice in squad restructuring, potentially targeting high-profile additions to fit his tactical vision.

Liverpool supporters are optimistic that the combination of Zidane’s experience and the current squad talent can push the Reds back into title contention, both domestically and in Europe.

Conclusion: Liverpool Fans Get Their Man

After months of speculation, uncertainty, and fan frustration, Liverpool have finally secured a world-class manager. Zidane’s arrival is seen as a bold step forward — a £20m investment that could shape the club’s future for years to come.

Elliot Anderson has been linked with a move to Arsenal.

Arsenal have entered the race to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson with the Gunners ‘not backing down’ over his price tag, according to reports.

The Gunners have made a great start to the new season with Mikel Arteta’s men currently sitting top of the Premier League table after 11 matches.

Arsenal are four points ahead of second-placed Manchester City, while defending champions Liverpool – who occupy eighth position – are eight points adrift.

New sporting director Andrea Berta oversaw a huge summer of spending at the Emirates Stadium with Arsenal splashing out over £250m on eight new signings.

The Gunners now have incredible depth in all positions but there is one area that they still want to improve over the next couple of transfer windows.

Spanish website Fichajes insist that Arsenal have ‘entered the race’ to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Anderson, who is wanted by numerous clubs.

READ: Premier League mood rankings as Liverpool drop a full 15 places!

In October, reliable Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg revealed that Man Utd and Newcastle are two of the clubs looking at the possibility of signing Anderson.

Plettenberg wrote on X: ‘Manchester United and Newcastle are just two of many top clubs closely monitoring Elliot #Anderson. Their interest has already been registered. #MUFC Forest are aware. Key player. Understand for a transfer in the summer, a fee of around £100–120 million is currently being demanded. There is no release clause.’

Fichajes adds that Arsenal ‘are not backing down’ despite Nottingham Forest demanding over £100m for the England international.

The report continues: ‘For Arsenal, the signing of Elliot Anderson represents an investment in both the present and the future. The club has signed midfielders like Christian Nørgaard, but he is now over 30, highlighting the need to find a player with greater potential. Anderson fits that profile: young, dynamic, and capable of becoming the linchpin of the midfield.

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‘Arsenal’s technical staff see him as a long-term solution, as well as a significant upgrade from their current squad. Although Nottingham Forest are demanding a very high fee—reportedly between £100 and £120 million—Arsenal are considering making that investment to secure the player before other clubs inflate his price.’

Arsenal are now urging Nottingham Forest to ‘accept their offer’ but that is seen as the Gunners’ ‘main challenge’ as they attempt to sign the former Newcastle United star.

BBC Radio Nottingham‘s Colin Fray insists that Anderson should be “on the plane” to North America for the 2026 World Cup in the summer.

Fray said: “It is great for Forest fans to have a player like that to watch week in week out at the moment. He just keeps delivering all of these excellent performances.