Bournemouth eye Ghana international, 19, dubbed ‘next Michael Essien’ – amid Man United and Liverpool’s interest in £65m Antoine Semenyo

Bournemouth are exploring a move for Ghana international midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi who has drawn attention from Premier League rivals including Arsenal and has been compared to ex-Chelsea star Michael Essien.

The 19-year-old, who is being valued at around £20million, is another graduate of the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana and is impressing in the Danish Superliga with Nordsjaelland.

He started out as a right-sided midfielder and even made his national team debut at right-back but he is revelling in a holding midfield role which has alerted Premier League scouts over recent months. 

Danish media have even compared him in style to compatriot and former Chelsea midfielder Essien who is assistant manager at Nordsjaelland and proving a mentor to the teenager.

Bournemouth are aware of clubs circling around midfielder stars Tyler Adams and Yirenkyi’s compatriot and coveted winger Antoine Semenyo – who has a £65million release clause

‘Michael Essien impacts every player,’ said Yirenkyi. ‘He helps everyone at Nordsjaelland, we learn a lot from him.’

Arsenal are understood to view Yirenkyi as one for the future but Bournemouth have proven themselves to be consistently ahead of the curve in finding talent early and making them Premier League ready.

They are aware of clubs circling around star performers such as midfielder Tyler Adams and Yirenkyi’s compatriot coveted winger Antoine Semenyo, who has a £65million release clause, so are planning ahead to maintain strength in their squad and remain competitive at the top end of the Premier League.