Calafiori replaced already? Arsenal plan €80m Bournemouth raid

Cameron Smith

11 Oct 2024 19:30 BST
3 min read

Riccardo Calafiori, Arsenal, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Bournemouth duo Milos Kerkez and Antoine Semenyo in 2025.

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The Gunners have invested heavily to close the gap to Manchester City in recent years, but Mikel Arteta isn’t yet satisfied with his current first-team squad.

Arsenal are set to pursue a new number nine next year, despite Kai Havertz’s upturn in form, while they are also looking to sign a right winger to ease Bukayo Saka’s workload.

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According to CaughtOffside, the north London club have registered their interest in Bournemouth star Semenyo as they search for a back-up to Saka.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a blistering start to the 2024-25 campaign, scoring three goals and providing one assist in seven Premier League matches, and his form has attracted the attention of Arsenal’s hierarchy.

Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in acquiring Semenyo’s services next year, although Ange Postecoglou’s side could potentially opt to prioritise the development of talented academy star Mikey Moore instead.

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"This fella is on FIRE." 🔥🔥

A sensational finish from Antoine Semenyo 😲 pic.twitter.com/DiJw8s4LN1
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 30, 2024

Arsenal want Milos Kerkez

In addition to Semenyo, Arsenal remain keen on Hungary international Kerkez. The Gunners were interested in completing a move this summer, but concrete negotiations never took place and a deal wasn’t finalised.

However, the club have continued to monitor his progress at Bournemouth and are eager to sign him amid the uncertain futures of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney.

Despite the summer arrival of Riccardo Calafiori, and the Italian’s positive impact since joining, Arsenal are eager to add another left-back to their squad and Kerkez appears to be their primary target.

Current ETV

Milos Kerkez

D, M (L)

B'mouth

Milos Kerkez

D, M (L)

B'mouth

ETV Range

€11.5M - €19.2M

Chelsea and Manchester United were also interested in signing Kerkez during the summer window, but the former added Renato Veiga to their first-team squad and are unlikely to add another left-back in 2025.

However, Man Utd could rival Arsenal for the Hungarian’s signature due to ongoing injury problems for both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

Bournemouth reportedly valued Kerkez and Semenyo at a combined €80 million.