Antoine Semenyo: Bournemouth forward to decide future as Chelsea show interest

From a financial perspective, well-placed sources insist interested clubs are all willing to pay a very similar remuneration package to Semenyo, whose final decision will be made with an emphasis on his personal sporting ambitions.

He turns 26 on 7 January and there is a recognition he is entering the prime of his career.

“I know there is lots of noise around him,” said Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola. “[It is] not my concern, my concern is it doesn’t affect his performances. It is not doing, he is very committed to the team and I hope we can keep him here.

“[A] situation we cannot control, but Antoine right now is our player, going to continue playing for us. If you ask me, I don’t want to lose him, definitely don’t. But every time the market opens, you never know what is going to happen.”

With that in mind, it is understood Semenyo will prioritise joining a club he believes can provide him with what he views as the most suitable project to compete for major trophies on a long-term basis.

The location and impact on his family will also be a contributing factor, with a decision expected in the coming days.

As Semenyo reflects on his options, it is understood he does not want the saga to become a long drawn-out process.

Chelsea are also subject to Uefa sanctions requiring them to maintain a “positive transfer balance” or risk being unable to register new signings for the Champions League. They also face further fines of 60m euros (£51.2m) if they fail to comply with the rules over the next three and a half years.