Antoine Semenyo is heavily linked with a move to Liverpool either in the January transfer window or next summer, with there a convincing case to sign the Bournemouth forward.While claims Semenyo has handed in a transfer request ahead of the winter window are seen as wide of the mark, it appears a case of no smoke without fire when it comes to Liverpool’s interest.But would the 25-year-old be the right fit as the next addition to Arne Slot‘s attacking ranks?Here are seven reasons why Liverpool should sign Semenyo – along with three counter-arguments after a heavy-spending summer just gone. Why Antoine Semenyo is the right signing for Liverpool1. He’s Premier League proven, homegrown eligibleSemenyo joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in January 2023 and has comfortably made the step up to Premier League football.In 92 games in the top flight so far, he has 26 goals and 12 assists – including 17 goals and nine assists in 48 league games since the start of last season.Furthermore, despite being a Ghana international, Semenyo was born in London and played youth football in South Gloucestershire before coming through the ranks at Bristol City.He is therefore eligible as a homegrown player in the Premier League and association-trained in the Champions League.2. He can play anywhere in the attackWhile he may have settled on the right wing as his natural position, Semenyo is hugely versatile and has played a significant number of games in every position across the front line.His ability to also play on the left wing and as a central striker would not only suit Arne Slot‘s system but provide cover and competition throughout the attack.It would not be unrealistic to suggest Liverpool would see him as an upgrade on Federico Chiesa, who can play every role but clearly isn’t trusted as a regular starter.3. He adds pace, power and pressingSemenyo is a hard-running, hardworking forward who not only thrives on the transition but can harry defenders into mistakes and create opportunities himself.Slot made clear his desire to add pace to the Liverpool squad over the summer with the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, and adding Bournemouth‘s No. 24 would further aid that cause.4. He performs in high-profile gamesThe Ghana international is not simply a flat-track bully: Semenyo has shown he can score in high-profile games, not least with his double at Anfield at the start of the season.In fact his record against Liverpool (three goals) is only bettered by his tally against Fulham (five), while Man City, Man United (home and away) and Chelsea were among the sides he netted against last term.5. Salah needs an heirLiverpool signed off on their biggest-ever contract in the summer when they agreed to pay Mohamed Salah up to £480,000 a week including bonuses.But Salah’s performances in the season so far have highlighted the fact that, despite his world-class ability, the Egyptian may be nearing the twilight of his career at the age of 33.Salah is tied down to 2027, but there is a sense that by that point Liverpool need to have secured a long-term successor – and Semenyo seems the perfect fit.6. Bournemouth are willing sellersBy all accounts Bournemouth will not allow Semenyo to leave on the cheap, with reports they value him at upwards of £75 million, but they certainly aren’t averse to selling.Liverpool could benefit from their long-standing ties to the south-coast club, too, not least with sporting director Richard Hughes having spent 12 years at the club before bringing scouts Mark Burchill and Craig McKee with him to Anfield.7. He won’t be going to AFCON!One of the big plusses if Liverpool were to land a deal for Semenyo mid-season is that, unlike Salah, he will not be taking part in the Africa Cup of Nations.Ghana failed to qualify for a tournament which runs from December 21 to January 18; Salah will miss at least three games and as many as seven as a result of Egypt’s participation.In theory, Semenyo could join as an immediate stand-in for the absent Salah before competing for a place in the attack in the long term. Why Liverpool could look elsewhere – the case against Semenyo1. Another big-money signingWhile Liverpool still spent within their means and a sizeable portion was offset by significant funds brought in from sales, last summer was certainly a statement window.A spend of almost £450 million has attracted further scrutiny and has undoubtedly seen the likes of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz struggle with the weight of expectation so far.Semenyo may still represent fair value at around £75 million due to his age, experience and proven quality, but it would only add pressure on a player who is yet to be tested in European football.2. Not a solution to Liverpool’s current problem?Semenyo is a player who thrives on verticality: his pace, movement and clinical edge make him perfect for Andoni Iraola’s setup at Bournemouth.But that arguably does not solve the issue Liverpool are increasingly facing in the Premier League, where sides approach games trying to frustrate the champions with a low block and fewer opportunities to counter.It remains to be seen if Slot can find a solution to that problem – and similarly if a player like Semenyo would provide it.3. Bigger priorities elsewhereThough Liverpool do appear to be missing an element in attack and Salah will need to be replaced eventually, it can be argued that it is not currently the priority.Cracks are showing in midfield, particularly with the absence of a top-level specialist defensive midfielder, while the jury is out on both left-back and right-back, and at least one new centre-back is required.However, if Semenyo is identified as the ideal target for Liverpool in attack, there are certainly more pros than cons to any deal.