Manchester City is keeping a close eye on Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo as the January transfer window approaches, according to sources at ESPN. However, they anticipate competition for his signature from several Premier League rivals.
Semenyo has a release clause in his contract with Bournemouth that permits a transfer for £65 million ($86 million) within the first two weeks of January.
City is aware of the opportunity but believes that other clubs such as Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Arsenal could also activate the clause.
Liverpool has been particularly linked to Semenyo amid uncertainties regarding Mohamed Salah‘s future with the club.
Tottenham and Manchester United both showed interest during the summer, while Arsenal has previously considered the Ghana international.
His release clause is designed to protect Bournemouth, ensuring they have time to replace a key player if a deal is made within that two-week window.
If he remains at Vitality Stadium during January, the clause will become valid again in the summer at a reduced fee.
Semenyo is enjoying a prolific season, having netted seven goals in 15 appearances.
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Last season, he scored 11 goals in 37 matches and eight in 33 during the 2023-24 season—his first full campaign after joining from Bristol City in January 2023.
Although Semenyo is not heading to the Africa Cup of Nations due to Ghana’s failure to qualify, he recently found the net for the first time since October during a thrilling 4-4 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
He was rewarded with a new contract in July, extending his stay with Bournemouth until 2025, though there is an expectation that he may leave in January or the following summer.