Manchester City are on the verge of securing a January transfer for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, with the player favouring a move to the Etihad Stadium. The 25-year-old's £65 million release clause must be activated by January 10, and City have already held talks to accelerate the deal. Several Premier League clubs showed interest, but Chelsea have withdrawn, leaving City as frontrunners.
Antoine Semenyo, Bournemouth's standout performer this season, has emerged as a prime target for Manchester City ahead of the January transfer window. The Ghanaian international, who signed a new five-year contract with the Cherries earlier in 2025, has impressed with eight goals and three assists in 16 Premier League appearances, making him the joint-third-highest scorer in the league. His form includes recent strikes in a 4-4 draw against Manchester United and a win over Burnley, highlighting his direct style and shot volume, second only to Erling Haaland.
City, managed by Pep Guardiola, have been proactive, holding discussions with Semenyo two weeks before the window opens on January 1. Reports indicate the club aims to finalise the £65 million release clause—active only until January 10—within the next few days. Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Manchester United were informed of Semenyo's preference for City, despite their efforts and a proposed system change to accommodate him. Tottenham Hotspur were considered outsiders, while Liverpool are unlikely to pursue due to other targets, and Arsenal would only act if offloading a winger, anticipating a quiet window.
Chelsea, initially interested, have pulled out entirely, as per David Ornstein. Guardiola's side seeks to bolster their attack amid injuries to wingers Jeremy Doku and Oscar Bobb, and with Omar Marmoush away on Africa Cup of Nations duty—though Semenyo remains available as Ghana did not qualify.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has acknowledged the speculation but focused on the present. In November, he stated: "Antoine is our player, he will continue being our player." More recently, Iraola admitted: "There are things happening out of our control. I hope we don’t lose him, but I don’t know. I can’t control what’s going to happen."
Semenyo's potential departure underscores Bournemouth's strategic contract clause, giving them time to replace him. For City, his versatility across flanks and centrally could prove vital in their title push.
