Liverpool in for record-breaking French winger after Semenyo miss as €60m Arsenal battle ignites…

Liverpool is pursuing a record-breaking French winger following the missed opportunity with Semenyo, as a €60m battle with Arsenal heats up.

The club is shifting its focus from Antoine Semenyo to Eintracht Frankfurt’s Jean-Matteo Bahoya and another Premier League player in their search for a new winger, according to reports.

Liverpool expressed interest in Semenyo after discovering that his contract with Bournemouth, signed over the summer, contains a £65million release clause for January. Sporting director Richard Hughes, who maintains strong ties with Bournemouth, has engaged in discussions regarding a potential transfer.

Nevertheless, Manchester City appears poised to outpace Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur in the pursuit of Semenyo, nearing a complete agreement. Three factors have emerged explaining why Liverpool did not match City’s offer for the forward.

As reported by Anfield Watch, Liverpool is still actively seeking a new wide player and has identified two potential candidates.

The first is Bahoya from Frankfurt. The France U21 international is ‘on Liverpool’s radar’ and is expected to be ‘available’ for signing in January.

Liverpool is ‘very interested’ in Bahoya and believes they could acquire him at a low cost.

This is due to Frankfurt’s shift towards a wing-back system, which does not align with Bahoya’s strengths as a traditional winger.

Arne Slot is keen for Liverpool to enhance their attacking pace, and Bahoya is an ideal fit.

Anfield Watch describes him as ‘the fastest player in Europe.’ Last season, he made history in the Bundesliga by becoming the first player to exceed the 37km/h speed mark.

The report also mentions that Liverpool is monitoring Yankuba Minteh from Brighton & Hove Albion, who previously played under Slot at Feyenoord.

Minteh’s impressive performances this season have drawn Liverpool’s interest, although the 21-year-old would command a significant transfer fee.

Returning to Bahoya, Anfield Watch initially reported Liverpool’s interest in him back in October. A potential transfer could see Bahoya rekindle his partnership with former Frankfurt teammate and fellow countryman Hugo Ekitike.

Despite the competition from Arsenal, Liverpool is keen to secure Bahoya. Sources informed us on December 2 that Arsenal has shown interest in the former Angers academy talent, having scouted him six times this season.

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Both Liverpool and Arsenal are targeting Jean-Matteo Bahoya. Mikel Arteta is a strong admirer of Bahoya, and the player is reportedly open to a January transfer to the Premier League.

While Anfield Watch indicates that Bahoya could be acquired at a lower price, we understand that Frankfurt is expecting at least €60m (£52m) for his transfer.

Another winger linked to Liverpool is Kenan Yildiz, with reports from Italy suggesting that the Reds have made inquiries regarding his current situation.

Yildiz is seeking a lucrative new contract to reflect his status as one of Serie A’s top players, but Juventus has yet to agree to his terms.

Acquiring a new winger would assist Liverpool in preparing for the possible departure of Mo Salah. Salah has been frequently mentioned in connection with a January transfer following his public dissatisfaction with Slot and the club.

Liverpool hopes Salah will remain and fulfill his contract, but regardless of the outcome, club officials must ensure the attack is future-proof. At 33 years old, Salah cannot be depended on indefinitely.

In other news, Chelsea has reportedly withdrawn their interest in a South American defender, making Liverpool the ‘frontrunners’ to acquire him.

A deal could be reached for €40m (£35m), potentially marking the beginning of Liverpool’s defensive overhaul.

The reigning Premier League champions are also considering an upgrade on Alexis Mac Allister in midfield.