Manchester United is close to signing Semenho in the summer window, and the difference in competition and salary in Tottenham has caused the deal to break

It is reported that Manchester United reached a principled agreement on signing Antoine Semenho this summer, and Tottenham Hotspur also showed strong interest in the Bournemouth striker.

Manchester United's first task this summer transfer window is to rebuild the front line, and they invested a total of about £200 million to introduce three attackers, Sesco, Mbemo and Cunha.

Due to the weak offensive performance last season, Manchester United listed the transformation of the front line as a top priority. Semenho was initially seen as a potential alternative, but the club eventually set Mbemo and Cunia as main targets at No. 10.

25-year-old Semenho performed well for Bournemouth in the 2024/25 season, contributing 11 goals and 5 assists in the Premier League. He also started the season with a hot start and has participated in 3 goals in the first three games.

However, according to reporter Duncan Castles, Semenho was infinitely close to joining Manchester United this summer.

Castles said in the Transfer Podcast: "Bornemouth's Antoine Semenho has been the focus of Manchester United's pursuit since March this year. Omar Berreda and Jason Wilcox (who had directly talked with Bournemouth's top leaders, and the club made it clear that the forward who scored 11 goals last season will not exceed £55 million. "

Manchester United followed the strategy of introducing Cunya and Mbemo: first reach personal terms with the players, and then negotiate transfer fees with the club.

Castles added: "At the end of the season, Amorin also had dinner with Semenho in London, personally assessing the player's personality, which is consistent with the process of signing Cunya and Mbemo. "

Castles pointed out that the transfer fee differences and salary gaps lead to payment. The main reason for easy breakage.

"Spurs were also competing for Semeno at the time, and Bournemouth took this point to continue to raise the asking price. After Cunha's transfer was completed, Bournemouth took this as a reference and asked Manchester United to match at least the same price. "

What's more important is the salary structure issue: "Semenho found that Manchester United promised only 70% of Cunha and Mbomo. Bournemouth seized This opportunity convinces the player to sign a new contract until 2030, and plans to keep him at least one more season. "

Although Manchester United positioned Semenho as an alternative to Cunha or Mbemo, Bournemouth believes that Manchester United originally planned to sign these three players at the same time.

The failure of this negotiation also highlights the fierce competition and strategic game of Premier League clubs in the summer transfer market.