MANCHESTER, UK – Manchester City have emerged as the frontrunners to secure the signature of Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo as the January transfer window approaches. Reports suggest that the Premier League champions are in advanced discussions to activate a release clause in the Ghanaian international’s contract, potentially making him one of the first major signings of 2026.

The State of Play

Semenyo, 25, has become one of the most coveted assets in English football following a standout first half of the 2025/26 campaign. His current contract with Bournemouth reportedly contains a £65 million release clause that becomes active during the first two weeks of January.

While heavyweights like Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea have all monitored the situation, sources indicate that Semenyo has expressed a clear preference for the Etihad Stadium. Chelsea, who briefly explored a late move for the attacker, are understood to have cooled their interest, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side in a commanding position to finalize terms.

A Tactical Reinforcement

The move comes at a strategic time for Manchester City. With the club currently locked in a tight title race against Arsenal, Guardiola is reportedly keen to bolster his attacking depth. Semenyo offers a unique profile:

• Versatility: Capable of playing across the front line or as a powerful wide forward.

• Goal Output: With 8 goals and 3 assists in 17 Premier League appearances this season, he ranks among the league’s most productive finishers.

• Physicality: His ability to threaten in behind and win aerial duels (94th percentile among peers) provides a direct alternative to City’s technical playmakers.

Bournemouth’s Perspective

Cherries boss Andoni Iraola has been open about the difficulty of retaining a player of Semenyo’s caliber. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Iraola acknowledged the “noise” surrounding the player but praised his commitment, stating: “Antoine is very important for us… I can’t control what’s going to happen, but I hope we don’t lose him.”

Despite the manager’s desire to keep the star man, the existence of a fixed release clause means the decision rests largely with the player and the pursuing club.

Looking Ahead

If the deal progresses as expected, City Director of Football Hugo Viana could secure his first major signing since succeeding Txiki Begiristain. With the release clause set to expire by January 10, a swift resolution is anticipated once the window opens on New Year’s Day.

Key Takeaways

Detail	Status
Primary Target	Antoine Semenyo (AFC Bournemouth)
Transfer Fee	Estimated £65m (Release Clause)
Key Suitor	Manchester City (Advanced Talks)
Active Date	January 1 – January 10, 2026