Maresca Plays Down Semenyo Links as Chelsea Focus Turns to Villa Clash

Enzo Maresca moved quickly to shut down transfer speculation linking Chelsea with Antoine Semenyo, insisting his full attention remains on Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Aston Villa. With the January window approaching and interest growing around the Bournemouth forward, the Chelsea head coach made it clear that recruitment talk is not on his agenda right now.

Semenyo has emerged as one of the standout attackers in the division this season, scoring eight goals and adding three assists for Bournemouth. His form under Andoni Iraola has put several top sides on alert, briefly drawing Chelsea into the conversation before the club chose not to pursue a concrete move.

The Ghana international signed a new five-year contract earlier this year that includes a £65 million release clause, active from January until January 10. Bournemouth structured the clause to allow time to find a replacement before the February 2 deadline, with Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham all monitoring the situation closely.

Speaking ahead of the Villa game, Maresca struck a calm and consistent tone. Chelsea are preparing for a high-intensity contest at Stamford Bridge against one of the league’s in-form sides, and the Italian coach stressed that preparation for that challenge outweighs any outside noise.

Asked directly about Semenyo, Maresca refused to be drawn into specifics. He underlined that discussions around arrivals and departures are not part of his current thinking, reiterating that Aston Villa pose a serious test given their recent results and overall momentum.

While no on-pitch action was discussed, Maresca did offer insight into his broader outlook, repeating his belief that Chelsea’s current squad does not require immediate changes. The message was familiar but deliberate, aimed at reinforcing stability rather than fueling speculation.

Chelsea enters the weekend aiming to cut the gap on third-placed Villa to four points. That task is complicated by Unai Emery’s side arriving on a seven-game winning run, highlighted by a 2–1 victory over Manchester United last time out.

Away from Stamford Bridge, Manchester City are increasingly seen as the favorites to land Semenyo should he leave Bournemouth. Reports suggest the forward is open to a move to the Etihad Stadium, although City may need to balance their books before making a formal approach.

For Maresca, the priority is clear. Chelsea’s immediate future hinges on results, not rumors, and Saturday’s clash with Aston Villa offers a chance to make a statement on the pitch while the transfer talk continues elsewhere.