Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed his frustration after reports emerged that Arsenal have finalized an agreement to sign Antoine Semenyo in a deal valued at around £80 million. The Ghanaian forward is expected to sign a five-year contract, with the move likely to be completed before the January transfer window opens.
The Dutch coach, who only recently took over at Anfield, is said to be furious over what he calls Arsenal’s “unfair advantage” in negotiations and has even threatened to report the London club to FIFA if the transfer goes through under questionable circumstances.
Multiple outlets claim Arsenal have been in advanced talks with Semenyo’s representatives in recent weeks and have now reached an agreement on personal terms. The Bristol City star, who has impressed with his performances, is set to become one of Arsenal’s marquee signings once the window officially opens.
However, Slot has not taken the situation lightly. The Liverpool boss has long admired Semenyo’s versatility and attacking quality, viewing him as an ideal addition to bolster his squad. Reports suggest Slot was blindsided by news that Arsenal had swooped in late to hijack Liverpool’s pursuit of the player — a scenario reminiscent of when Mikel Arteta beat Liverpool to Martín Zubimendi earlier this year.
Slot allegedly told reporters that Arsenal’s transfer tactics are becoming a “pattern of interference,” accusing them of holding direct talks with Semenyo’s camp while Liverpool were already deep in negotiations. He warned that unless the Premier League or FIFA intervenes, such practices could “undermine the spirit of fair competition” among top clubs.
The frustration in the Liverpool camp stems not only from losing another key target but also from poor timing. With Liverpool’s attack struggling for consistency in recent weeks, Slot had hoped to bring in reinforcements before a tough run of fixtures. Losing Semenyo — particularly to title rivals Arsenal — makes the setback even more painful.
For Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, this transfer would be another statement of intent. The Arsenal manager remains determined to build a side capable of competing for both the Premier League and Champions League. After missing out on Zubimendi last summer, Arteta reportedly made attacking reinforcements his top priority. Semenyo’s combination of pace, strength, and finishing could add a new dimension to Arsenal’s forward line.
Sources close to the player say Semenyo is enthusiastic about the move, viewing Arsenal as the ideal place to develop further under Arteta’s system. The chance to play alongside Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli is believed to have strongly influenced his decision. Arsenal’s long-term vision and project were also key factors in convincing him to join ahead of other interested clubs.
Within Liverpool, tensions are rising. Club officials are said to be reassessing their transfer approach after missing several targets since Slot’s appointment. Fans have voiced growing frustration on social media, criticizing what they see as the club’s lack of decisiveness in contrast to Arsenal’s swift and strategic moves.
Although Slot’s threat to report Arsenal to FIFA may not lead to significant consequences, it highlights the intensifying rivalry between the two clubs. Both managers are determined to compete not only for trophies but also for the same top players. With Arsenal now on the verge of completing the £80 million deal, Liverpool may be forced to explore other options — though the sting of losing Semenyo could linger throughout the season.
If completed, Semenyo’s move would represent another major coup for Arsenal and further strengthen Arteta’s growing influence in the transfer market. His ability to attract top talent continues to frustrate rival managers — none more so than Arne Slot, who once again finds himself on the losing end of a transfer battle.
As January approaches, all eyes will be on Liverpool to see how they respond to this setback — and whether Slot follows through on his warning to take the matter to FIFA. One thing is clear: the rivalry between these two Premier League giants is heating up, both on and off the pitch.
