Antoine Semenyo can deal title blow to Arsenal before he even puts on a Manchester City shirt as ‘full agreement’ neared
Manchester City are close to reaching a full agreement to sign Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.
Semenyo is expected to snub Liverpool to join Manchester City in January, with the move now in its final stages.
The Reds were among several clubs interested in a move for the 25-year-old, but Pep Guardiola‘s team appear to have won the race.
Semenyo reportedly would have chosen a move to Arsenal if they had been interested, but the Gunners have ruled themselves out.
Bournemouth have made an enquiry for Sevilla star Ruben Vargas, as they look to replace their key man.
Antoine Semenyo could still feature for Bournemouth this week
Manchester City are expected to pay £65million for Semenyo, who has a release clause in his contract at Bournemouth.
The winger has been in superb form for the Cherries this season, and will provide a big boost for his new team’s title chances.
| Antoine Semenyo | Premier League 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 17 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Chances created | 24 |
| Successful dribbles | 28 |
| Duels won | 108 |
Semenyo has scored nine goals and has provided three assists for Andoni Iraola‘s team, who may well be in trouble without him.
Bournemouth are without a win in any of their last nine Premier League appearances, and will lose their top goal-scorer in the forward.
But he may still make two more appearances before leaving, with Sky Sports reporting that Semenyo is with the squad for Bournemouth’s clash with Chelsea on Tuesday.
The winger also has not been ruled out of Saturday’s game against Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium, despite talks entering the advanced stages.
The final details of the release clause are being discussed, with a full agreement also close on personal terms.
Manchester City face interesting decision on Semenyo
It would make for a perfect start to his Manchester City career if Semenyo were able to deal a blow to Arsenal’s title chances in his final game as a Bournemouth player.
Semenyo featured as the Gunners lost at the Vitality Stadium last season, and while Iraola’s team are in poor form, they will fancy their chances of causing an upset should their star man play.
However, sanctioning the winger to play both Saturday’s game and against Chelsea on Tuesday would leave a faint chance of injury.
Semenyo has been largely injury-free across his Bournemouth career, but he did suffer knee problems during his time with Bristol City.
Whether Manchester City will be happy to take that risk remains to be seen.