Bournemouth eyeing loan move for “phenomenal” Arsenal youngster to replace Antoine Semenyo

Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo. (Reuters/Matthew Childs)

Antoine Semenyo may have signed off in the perfect fashion at Dean Court.

The Ghana international netted a dramatic 95th-minute winner as Bournemouth edged Tottenham 3–2 on Wednesday night, a goal that now looks set to be his final act in a Cherries shirt.

Semenyo is expected to complete a £65 million move to Manchester City after his release clause was triggered, bringing an end to a hugely productive spell on the south coast.

With 10 Premier League goals this season and consistent match-winning influence over several years, he leaves behind a sizeable void.

Bournemouth, however, already appear to have a potential successor in mind.

Bournemouth are exploring the possibility of signing Arsenal teenager Ethan Nwaneri on loan for the remainder of the season, as they prepare for life after Semenyo.

According to The Independent, the Cherries see the 18-year-old as an attractive short-term option to freshen up their attack, particularly given his limited minutes at the Emirates.

Nwaneri, once labelled “phenomenal” by Stephen Warnock, has featured 11 times in all competitions this season, but has started only three matches—two in the Carabao Cup and one in the Champions League.

His Premier League involvement has been sporadic, with just six substitute appearances and none since late November. While Arsenal remain fully committed to his long-term future and have no intention of selling, there is an awareness that regular football will be important for his development.

That said, a January loan is considered unlikely.

Nwaneri is understood to be happy staying put as part of Arsenal’s title push, believing the experience of training and learning in a high-pressure environment could outweigh short-term minutes elsewhere. Any move, if it comes, is more likely to be revisited in the summer, with a preference for a major club abroad rather than a domestic switch.

For now, Bournemouth’s interest highlights their ambition, but convincing both Arsenal and the player may prove a step too far this winter.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.