Man City closing in on Antoine Semenyo transfer as January window nears

Manchester City are close to agreeing a deal to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth as the January transfer window approaches.

Talks between the two clubs have entered advanced stages, with the Premier League leaders working on the final details of the winger’s £65 million release clause and personal terms with the player.

Semenyo, 25, has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season. His pace, direct play and goal threat have caught the attention of several top clubs.

Under the terms of his contract at Bournemouth, his release clause becomes active from January 1 to January 10, giving interested teams a limited period to trigger it.

City have been the only club to formally contact Bournemouth so far about activating the clause and are understood to be nearing a full agreement. Semenyo’s representatives were recently in Manchester to discuss contract terms, and sources say personal terms are close to being finalised.

Interest from other clubs as City close in

Interest in Semenyo has not been limited to Manchester City. Clubs including Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have been linked with the Ghana international.

However, City currently look best placed to secure his signature. Liverpool, in particular, are not expected to intervene, despite needing attacking reinforcements after Alexander Isak’s injury.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been open about wanting to keep Semenyo for the rest of the season to help his struggling side. But he admitted he understands that the club may not be able to resist a move should the release clause be activated.

A deserved big move

If completed, the transfer would represent a significant step up for Semenyo, who has excelled at Bournemouth since joining them from Bristol City.

He has scored regularly in the Premier League and shown his versatility on either wing - a factor that has driven top-club interest.

For Manchester City, Semenyo could provide extra depth and variety in their attack. With a packed schedule and ambitions on multiple fronts, Pep Guardiola’s side see the Bournemouth winger as a player who can support their title push both domestically and in Europe.

As the January window opens, all eyes will be on whether Manchester City can complete the deal in the first few days. If they do, it could be one of the standout transfers of the winter.

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