Manchester City are accelerating their pursuit of Antoine Semenyo, with direct talks scheduled to take place with Bournemouth this week as the Premier League champions look to land one of their key attacking targets.
With the January transfer window open, all indications are that City are preparing to make a serious move after receiving clear encouragement from the player himself, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Semenyo’s contract includes a £65 million release clause that remains in effect until January 10, apparently allowing any interested club to override negotiations with Bournemouth.
However, the City is understood to be preferring a more flexible approach. Rather than trigger the clause directly, they plan to work with Bournemouth directly to explore other deal structures, including variable payments, add-ons, and performance-related bonuses that could mitigate the immediate financial impact.
Antoine Semenyo wants a move to Man City
This approach reflects the City’s established revenue transfer strategy. Even when release clauses are available, the club often seeks lucrative deals that maintain strong relationships with other Premier League sides while maintaining financial viability.
Bournemouth is open to negotiations, knowing that Semenyo’s situation puts a lot of pressure in the hands of the buying club due to the law and the player’s position.
The important thing is that it is clear how much Semenyo likes. Sources close to the negotiations indicate that the Ghanaian has made it known that he wants to join Man City, believing that Pep Guardiola’s project offers the best platform for development and long-term ambitions.
The opportunity to fight for major trophies, work under the most respected coaches in the world, and play with high-level teammates was a decisive factor in shaping his decision.
City are now expected to complete the formalities of the deal in the coming days, including finalizing personal terms and ongoing club-to-club talks.
Pep Guardiola’s side are winning the hot transfer race
Although nothing has been signed yet, confidence is growing in the City camp that an agreement can be reached without major problems, especially if Semenyo is willing to move and Bournemouth are aware of the situation.
Both Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the pursuit of the Bournemouth striker but he has decided that going to Man City will be the right move for his career.
Both clubs are understood to respect that decision and have already shifted their focus to other attacking options.
With the release clause deadline looming and the City eager to get the business done early, the momentum is strong to do this.
The Man City star is open to a January exit – the club will have the final say
