Manchester City Take Lead in Race for Antoine Semenyo While Manchester United and Others Monitor Bournemouth Forward

Antoine Semenyo’s name is quickly becoming one of the hottest topics ahead of the January transfer window, and all signs point toward one destination catching his eye more than the rest.

The Bournemouth forward is understood to be leaning strongly toward a move to Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola’s side now emerging as clear frontrunners.

With several Premier League heavyweights circling, City appear best placed to get a deal done — and that could leave a few rivals frustrated.

Manchester City Pull Ahead of the Pack

Semenyo has attracted interest from across the league, but Manchester City’s pursuit has gathered real momentum.

If the champions do manage to land him, it would be a significant setback for Manchester United, who have been locked in a quiet tug-of-war with their city rivals over the attacker.

Liverpool have also carried out background checks in recent months, while Tottenham made their admiration clear earlier in the process.

Yet, as January approaches, City’s appeal — and Guardiola’s project — seem to be winning the argument.

Chelsea Step Back After Late Interest

Chelsea briefly entered the picture on Monday evening, following a period where Semenyo reportedly spent time weighing up his options.

However, that interest has now cooled.

Despite Semenyo’s west London roots and his long-standing association with Chelsea, the Blues have decided not to push forward at this stage.

The club remains confident in the attacking players already at Enzo Maresca’s disposal, even though they remain open to reinforcements — more likely when the summer window opens.

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Chelsea are also expected to focus on rewarding key performers within their current squad rather than forcing a January move.

The Price Tag and the Clock Ticking

Semenyo is available for £65 million this January, but there’s a catch.

His release clause is only active until the second week of the month, adding urgency to negotiations for any club seriously considering a move.

With that deadline looming, it’s no surprise that interest is beginning to sharpen — especially from clubs capable of moving quickly.

A Player in Red-Hot Form

This level of attention hasn’t come out of nowhere.

Semenyo scored 11 goals last season and has already added eight more in just 16 appearances this term.

His power, direct running, and versatility have made him one of the most dangerous attacking threats outside the league’s established elite.

Those performances put him firmly on the radar last summer, and he’s done nothing since to cool that interest.

Bournemouth Staying Calm Amid the Noise

Despite the growing speculation, Bournemouth remain relaxed.

Semenyo is under contract until 2030, and manager Andoni Iraola has made it clear that the forward’s focus hasn’t wavered.

According to those close to the club, Semenyo continues to train well and deliver on the pitch, blocking out the external chatter surrounding his future.

From Bristol City to Premier League Star

Semenyo’s rise has been rapid. Signed from Bristol City in 2023 for £10.5 million, he has since developed into one of the Premier League’s most exciting attackers — a remarkable return on investment for the Cherries.

The Ghana international, who is not involved in AFCON after his country failed to qualify, now finds himself at a crossroads that could define the next stage of his career.

What Comes Next

As January edges closer, the decision may soon be taken out of Semenyo’s hands if a club meets the clause in time.

For now, Manchester City look to be in pole position, Bournemouth are braced for interest, and several rivals are watching closely.