Crystal Palace are ‘looking at’ Bristol City striker Antoine Semenyo as they look to improve their attacking options, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The Eagles have lost Christian Benteke, who has joined MLS outfit D.C. United, and could move for the talented 22-year-old as his replacement before September’s deadline.
What is the latest news involving Semenyo?
A recent report from The Guardian claims that Palace are among the Premier League sides pursuing Semenyo, who is considered one of the brightest prospects outside the top-flight.
The Ghana international is believed to be valued at around £20 million by the Robins, and manager Nigel Pearson addressed the growing speculation surrounding his future in an interview with BBC Radio Bristol.
“I don’t spend too much time worrying about that. I think we will, in time, have decisions to make on him, but hopefully, he’ll be here this year,” admitted the 58-year-old tactician back in May.
“Would I stand in his way of going to top a Premier League side? Absolutely not. But it would have to be the right deal for us, as a team.”
Semenyo’s current contract only has 12 months left to run, but Bristol have the option to extend his stay at Ashton Gate for a further year, leaving them in a strong position around the negotiating table.
What has Jones said about Semenyo?
Palace have also been linked to Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Watford winger Ismaila Sarr alongside Semenyo in recent days.
And Jones has informed GiveMeSport that he wouldn’t be shocked if the south London outfit ‘made an offer’ for Semenyo.
He said: “They’re looking at Semenyo as well from Bristol City and that's one that they're looking to pursue again, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if they made an offer. So yeah, some really interesting stuff.”
Would Semenyo be a good signing?
Semenyo bagged eight goals and racked up an impressive 12 assists in 31 Championship appearances throughout 2021/22 despite his side finishing in a lowly 17th position, leading to him being labelled "dangerous".
And the versatile star also put up some eye-catching underlying numbers, averaging 2.3 shots, 1.1 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per league game, as per WhoScored.
Those figures placed him in the top two amongst his teammates for each metric, indicating that Semenyo could be ready to make the step up to the Premier League for 2022/23.