Rangers, Crystal Palace and now Bournemouth - the six clubs competing to sign Bristol City’s Antoine Semenyo

With January rapidly approaching, Bristol City have more than just their current form to be concerned about. Nigel Pearson will be forced to spend another transfer window attempting to keep Antoine Semenyo at Ashton Gate.

Despite spending the 2020-21 season as a regular in the Robins’ first team, it wasn’t until the following campaign that Semenyo begun to catch the eye with his impressive performances. The forward netted eight goals and provided another 12 assists in the Championship last season and has since attracted the attention of clubs across the top flight and abroad, resulting in City turning down a £9 million bid from an unknown club in the summer.

Despite missing the start of the current campaign with an injury and only making seven starts in the Championship, the Robins will face another challenge next month as a number of clubs retain their interest in the 22-year-old as he enters the final six months of his contract.

Here are all six sides that could look to lure Semenyo away from Ashton Gate in the January transfer window...

Celtic

Celtic have been rumoured to be interested in Semenyo for much of 2022 and Sports World Ghana are now reporting that they are targeting the striker this winter. Giorgos Giakoumakis could look to leave Glasgow next month after contract talks stalled, despite netting an impressive six goals in 14 matches so far this season.

Celtic are now considering replacing the Greek forward and could see Semenyo as the ideal replacement, with his performances in the Championship convincing the Scottish giants that he would be a positive signing this winter. Born in London, a move to Glasgow would be a far stretch from home for Semenyo, whose only spell up north came during a loan spell with Sunderland two years ago.

Rangers

Like their Scottish rivals Celtic, Sports World Ghana have also reported that Rangers are in the race to sign Semenyo in January. Michael Beale’s side are reportedly ready to offer £5 million for his services - significantly less than the £15m that it was believed the Robins were demanding earlier this year.

It’s reported that Rangers have been scouting Semenyo for much of the season and could look to bolster their attack, despite Antonio Colak’s impressive form so far. Alfredo Morelos has only made two starts in the Scottish Premiership so far and could be on his way out of the Ibrox Stadium next month ahead of his contract expiry in the summer, paving the way of Semenyo’s potential arrival.

Fenerbahce

Fenerbahce are currently the only club outside of the UK in the race to sign Semenyo in January. Reports in Turkey have claimed they are considering a move for the 22-year-old if they fail to snap up Vincent Aboubakar from Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.

Fenerbahce already have Enner Valencia and Michy Batshuayi on their books but will look to add Aboubakar, who has netted three goals in nine appearances this season. Semenyo is said to be one of two alternatives to the Cameroonian, alongside Slavia Prague’s Peter Olayinka.

Crystal Palace

Following Christian Benteke’s departure to DC United at the start of the season, The Guardian previously revealed that Crystal Palace could target Semenyo as a replacement for the Belgian. Benteke was a regular for the Eagles despite his poor goalscoring record and they have now been left rather light up top.

Crystal Palace were one of the clubs looking to sign Semenyo in the summer shortly after Benteke’s move away, however failed in their pursuit and will now fancy their chances at a second attempt.

Everton

Everton reportedly enquired about Semenyo’s availability in the summer and are now thought to be back in the race for his signature after scoring the joint-second least goals in the Premier League this season (11).

After failing to lure Semenyo to Merseyside, Everton ended up signing Neal Maupay from Brighton - though the Spaniard has only managed one goal in the top flight since. The Toffees could hand Semenyo regular first team football at Goodison Park if he is able to add the goals that they have been missing so far.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth are planning a move for both Semenyo and Alex Scott in the January transfer window, according to the Sunday Mirror. Reports in the summer claimed the Cherries had a £10m bid rejected for the Ghana international back in August.

Given Kieffer Moore and Dominic Solanke’s positive starts to the season following Bournemouth’s promotion to the Premier League, Semenyo would have a challenge on his hands if he was to force his way straight into the starting line-up. However, the 22-year-old may fancy his chances under Gary O’Neill, who spent two years as a player at Ashton Gate as Semenyo began his senior career with the club.