Arsenal would have ranked as Antoine Semenyo’s first choice had they registered firm interest this winter

Arsenal would have ranked as Antoine Semenyo’s first choice had the Gunners been firmly at the table for a winter transfer deal, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.

Manager Mikel Arteta and the Emirates Stadium club have been impressed by the rapid development of the 25-year-old attacker at Bournemouth.

Semenyo has a £65 million release clause, and while there was some contact between his representatives and Arsenal, it was clear from the outset that the Gunners’ interest was on the basis of a summer move rather than January.

Tottenham Hotspur did try again for the Ghana international after a failed summer move, proposing a highly competitive salary.

However, Semenyo politely declined their advances, which resulted in Manchester City and Manchester United emerging as the leading contenders.

The Cherries star grew up as an Arsenal fan and was naturally interested in the prospect of a move to the North London club.

However, they have no plans to sign him this winter and he is eager to move. Man City now seem to have emerged as his preferred choice, but the Gunners will not be concerned as they have enough depth in attack right now.

They added Noni Maduekda, Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres to their attack in the last summer transfer window and have been bolstered with the return of Gabriel Jesus from an 11-month layoff.

Kai Havertz is also set to be available for selection later this month, and it is clear to see why manager Mikel Arteta is not keen on signing Semenyo this winter.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal have plans to recruit next month despite injury issues at the back.

They remain at the top of the table after 17 games but are only two points ahead of their closest challengers Man City.

Arsenal need a stronger finish to the season if they want to win the Premier League title, and Arteta will hope his key players stay fit until the end of the campaign.