David Ornstein has lifted the lid on Tottenham Hotspur’s serious attempt to sign Antoine Semenyo, revealing just how far the club were willing to go in order to strengthen their attack ahead of the January transfer window.
With Spurs struggling for goals and consistency, the interest in the Bournemouth forward highlights both the urgency of their situation and the scale of the rebuild facing Thomas Frank in his first season at the club.
Tottenham’s campaign has been a frustrating one so far. Results have not matched expectations, and the club currently sit 14th in the Premier League after losing five of their last eight matches across all competitions. Performances have been uneven, and confidence around the squad appears fragile.
Frank, who took over with a clear plan and strong ideas, has not had the smooth start many hoped for, and the pressure is already beginning to build.
Ahead of Sunday’s trip to Crystal Palace, Frank made a point of giving his players Christmas Day off, but he also sent a clear message about standards and professionalism.
He explained that the festive period would be treated no differently from any other week, stressing that top-level players must be trusted to behave like adults.
While he acknowledged that some players may need more guidance than others, he was firm in his belief that constant supervision should not be necessary at this level. For Frank, responsibility and discipline are non-negotiable.
On the pitch, the problems are easy to spot. Tottenham have scored fewer goals than any of the traditional “big six” clubs this season, a worrying statistic for a side with ambitions of Champions League football.
Injuries to Dominic Solanke have disrupted plans, while neither Randal Kolo Muani nor Richarlison have managed to fully claim the number nine role. The lack of a reliable goal threat has left Spurs blunt in key moments, and it is no surprise that attacking reinforcements are now a priority.
This context explains why Tottenham pushed hard for Antoine Semenyo. According to Ornstein’s Boxing Day report, Spurs made another strong approach for the Bournemouth winger, putting forward what was described as a highly competitive salary package.
It was a clear sign of intent, showing that Tottenham were prepared to pay top money to secure a player they believe could make an immediate impact.
However, despite the size of the offer, Semenyo chose to turn Spurs down. Ornstein revealed that the Ghana international politely rejected their advances, a decision that opened the door for Manchester City and Manchester United to move into pole position. City are now believed to be leading the race, with United also firmly in the conversation.
Semenyo’s growing reputation across the Premier League explains the level of interest. His ability to operate across the front line, whether out wide or through the middle, makes him an attractive option for elite clubs.
He is comfortable using both feet, can score from different positions, and has the strength and pace to trouble defenders consistently. Those qualities are rare, and they have not gone unnoticed by some of the best managers in the game.
Pep Guardiola, speaking earlier in the season, was full of praise for the Bournemouth man, describing him as an extraordinary player.
Such words from one of the world’s most respected coaches underline why clubs like Tottenham were willing to stretch themselves financially in pursuit of his signature.
For Spurs, missing out on Semenyo is another setback, but it also provides clarity. The club now know that throwing money at a problem is not always enough, especially when competition comes from teams with stronger recent success.
It also reinforces the need for smart planning and decisive action in January, as Frank looks to reshape his attack and restore belief within the squad.
While Semenyo appears unlikely to be heading to North London, Tottenham’s willingness to make a major salary offer sends a clear message. The club understand the scale of their attacking issues and are ready to invest heavily to fix them.
Whether they can land the right player remains to be seen, but the pressure is on to ensure their next move delivers the goals and momentum they desperately need.
