Tottenham Hotspur are already moving quickly to reshape their transfer plans after missing out on Antoine Semenyo, and the club’s next move could be a huge one. According to respected transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Spurs are now on a serious mission to identify a young forward who could even break their all-time transfer record.
It is a clear sign that the club know they must add pace, goals, and excitement to Thomas Frank’s attacking options if they are to change the direction of their season.
For months, Semenyo had been near the top of Tottenham’s wish list. The Bournemouth winger impressed heavily in the Premier League and quickly became one of the most talked-about attacking players in the division.
Spurs made repeated efforts to convince him, even going as far as offering a very strong contract package. However, despite their persistence, Semenyo chose to turn them down.
His decision opened the door for Manchester City and Manchester United to push ahead, with City now leading the race thanks to their ability to move fast in January and match the player’s ambitions.
Semenyo’s rise this season explains why Tottenham were so keen. Eight goals in just 16 league games is a remarkable return, especially for a player whose energy and direct running cause constant problems for defenders.
Pep Guardiola’s public praise only underlined his quality, as the City manager spoke about Semenyo’s movement, bravery, and hunger, calling him a player who makes the league special. For Spurs, losing out on such a talent was a blow, but it has forced them to widen their search and think even bigger.
Rather than settling for a second-choice option, Tottenham have turned their attention to a new name with enormous potential.
Romano has revealed that the club are closely monitoring RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, a teenager who is already turning heads across Europe. Spurs’ interest is serious, with scouts actively tracking his progress while he represents Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations.
At just 19 years old, Diomande is already showing maturity well beyond his years. He played the full match in Ivory Coast’s opening game against Mozambique and looks set to be one of the breakout stars of the tournament.
His performances at international level are only adding to the excitement around a player who has been in outstanding form for Leipzig this season.
Diomande’s numbers tell a strong story. In 16 appearances, he has scored seven goals and provided four assists, including a stunning hat-trick in a dominant win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
His ability to influence games from wide areas makes him especially attractive to Tottenham, who are crying out for more threat and unpredictability in the final third. He can play on either wing, stretch defences with his pace, and create chances both for himself and for teammates.
The price tag reflects his potential. Reports suggest Leipzig would demand more than £87 million, a figure that would make Diomande Tottenham’s most expensive signing ever.
While that number is eye-catching, it also shows how highly rated the youngster is and how determined Spurs appear to be in backing their new manager. Breaking the transfer record would be a bold statement of intent and a signal that the club are ready to invest heavily in the future.
Diomande’s style of play fits perfectly with what Tottenham are trying to build. He is quick, fearless, and direct, always looking to take on defenders and drive into space.
The Bundesliga has already highlighted his quick feet and explosive pace, with comparisons drawn to Karim Adeyemi, another player known for his speed and attacking threat. For a Spurs side that has often looked predictable going forward, Diomande could bring a fresh edge and a sense of excitement.
Missing out on Semenyo may feel disappointing, but it could yet prove to be a turning point. Tottenham are no longer just reacting to setbacks; they are aiming higher and targeting players who could define the next phase of the club.
Diomande is young, raw, and expensive, but he also represents ambition, belief, and long-term thinking.
As the January window approaches, all eyes will be on Tottenham’s next move. If they decide to push ahead with a club-record bid, it would underline how serious they are about improving their attack and backing Thomas Frank with the tools he needs. One thing is clear: Spurs are not standing still, and the search for their next forward is only just beginning.
