Tottenham set to make two ‘underrated’ signings, and one of them will make Arsenal feel sick
Tottenham Hotspur Enter a New Chapter Under Thomas Frank With Key Transfer Targets in Sight
Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to turn the page and begin a new era under the leadership of newly appointed manager Thomas Frank. Following a dismal campaign that saw them finish 17th in the Premier League, major changes are expected at the club this summer. The North London side is reportedly eager to reshape and strengthen its squad in a bid to avoid another disappointing season and challenge for a place in European competition once again.
With several names already linked to Spurs in recent weeks, the club’s transfer activity is beginning to heat up. Central defender Jarrad Branthwaite has emerged as one of their prime targets, as Tottenham look to shore up their backline. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, who has attracted plenty of admirers with his creativity and flair, is also said to be on Spurs’ radar.
Yet, one of the most intriguing developments involves Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. According to reports, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has taken a hands-on approach, personally engaging in talks with Semenyo’s representatives over a potential move to North London. If a deal goes through, it could represent a significant coup for Spurs—not only strengthening their attack but also striking a psychological blow to arch-rivals Arsenal.
Why Arsenal Fans Could Be Frustrated by Semenyo’s Move to Tottenham
Semenyo’s potential transfer to Tottenham might sting more than most for Arsenal fans. That’s because the Gunners have also been monitoring the Ghanaian forward, as they look to add more depth and explosiveness to their wide attacking options. The irony? Arsenal once had the chance to secure Semenyo long before he was on the radar of Premier League clubs.
Reflecting on his early football journey, Semenyo previously revealed he had trials at multiple clubs during his teenage years—including Arsenal.
“It starts from 16, to be honest,” Semenyo said in an interview. “I had my last trial at Crystal Palace. My first trial was at 12 or 13, and during those years from 12 to 16, I went everywhere. I went to Arsenal, I went to Fulham, I went to Palace, I went to Millwall four or five times. I went to so many teams.”
Despite this early interest, Arsenal opted not to sign the talented youngster at the time. Now, years later, the Gunners may be watching one of their missed opportunities become a star across North London in a Tottenham shirt. Adding to the sting is the fact that Spurs would not only be gaining a dynamic, hard-working winger with Premier League experience but also denying Arsenal a player they once had within reach.
Semenyo: Another Name in a Long List of Arsenal’s Regrets
Semenyo wouldn’t be the first player Arsenal let slip through their fingers. In fact, he joins a long list of talented footballers who were once on trial with the club but never signed professionally.
Eberechi Eze, another player linked with Spurs this summer, was released by Arsenal during his youth. The Gunners also famously failed to secure the services of Yaya Touré, who had a trial with them early in his career. Zlatan Ibrahimović, now a footballing legend, also rejected Arsenal after being offered a trial—famously stating he doesn’t do auditions.
The list continues with Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, who believed he was close to joining Arsenal at one point, and even Dutch icon Ruud Gullit, who once spent time training with the club as a young prospect but ultimately didn’t sign.
For Arsenal fans, these near-misses have become a source of frustration over the years. Watching those players rise to stardom elsewhere—especially for rival clubs—adds salt to the wound. If Antoine Semenyo continues on his current trajectory and joins Spurs, it could be yet another case of what might have been for the red half of North London.
Semenyo’s Potential Impact at Tottenham
Described by many as “underrated,” Semenyo has quietly built a reputation as a tireless forward capable of contributing goals, pressing from the front, and creating space for teammates. His versatility—able to play across the front line—would offer Thomas Frank a valuable asset as he looks to reshape Tottenham’s identity and tactics.
Should Tottenham secure his signature, they’ll not only have acquired a promising talent, but they’ll have delivered a subtle, yet stinging, reminder to Arsenal of their growing list of transfer misjudgments.