Following his impressive start to the Premier League season, Antoine Semenyo, a winger for Bournemouth, is still being linked to Newcastle United. The Magpies’ decision to partner with a player in form on the right side of their attack is not surprising.

If Eddie Howe’s team is to contend for European football and more in the future, they will require greater strength in that part of the field.

When it comes to goal participation, their two alternatives on that side of the field, Miggy Almiron and Jacob Murphy, have both had periods of success, but more consistency is required. Although they are far more powerful to the left of the ball, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes have both played in that region of the field.

Semenyo has three goals and one assist in his seven games this season. In contrast, Murphy created both of the two Newcastle players’ two assists.

There are other Premier League teams that have been linked to a transfer for Semenyo besides the Magpies. According to his Bournemouth teammate, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have also been linked to a transfer for the 24-year-old, who has advanced this season.

As a group, we were aware of his potential and witnessed it last year. Lewis Cook, the other player for the Cherries, told BBC Sport earlier this month that the player needs to simply keep working hard, being aggressive and clinical.

“He’s become a much more valuable member of the squad and an improved running back. He is a strong young man with boundless potential. I hope he can keep demonstrating that.”

Transfermarkt values the Bournemouth winger in the region of £20million – having played a part in 10 goals in his last 20 Premier League appearances for Andoni Iraola’s side – though recent reports say the Cherries will ask for a fee closer to the £30million mark.

Paul Mitchell, the sporting director of Newcastle, has stated that the team must find value in the transfer market. However, is Semenyo a better value for the money than what they currently have?

When we compare Murphy and Semenyo throughout the course of the previous year using Fbref metrics, Murphy has more assists than Semenyo. Murphy has played the most football of any right-wing option for Newcastle this season. Murphy is ahead of the Cherries winger in terms of predicted assisted goals, shot creation, passes attempted, and none penalty xG, even if he hasn’t scored any goals yet this season.

Semenyo, on the other hand, outperforms Murphy in terms of non-penalty xG, non-penalty goals, progressive carries, aerial duels won, and take-on completions.Comparing Semenyo to Almiron over the past 12 months, Semenyo has also been more successful in the last third. In addition to receiving more progressive passes, the Cherries winger has more assists, non-penalty goals, progressive carries, and effective takeaways.

Regarding defensive play, Newcastle’s winger has outperformed Semenyo by a small margin. In addition to winning more aerial duels, the Paraguayan had higher tackle and interception rates, more pass attempts, and a significantly higher pass completion %.