Manchester City are leading the chase for the Premier League forward.

 

 

Manchester City are said to be out in front in the fierce pursuit of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, with reports suggesting the champions are willing to trigger the Ghana international’s £65 million release clause. The 25-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s breakout stars this season, attracting serious interest from several top clubs.

 

Semenyo’s combination of pace, power and productivity has made him one of the most sought-after attacking players in England, with Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur all monitoring his situation ahead of the January window.

 

Pep Guardiola is understood to rate Semenyo highly, impressed by his intensity and flexibility across the front line. City’s financial muscle means activating the £65m clause would not be an issue, and negotiations over personal terms are not expected to be problematic, with the player open to testing himself at the very highest level under Guardiola.

 

Liverpool remain firmly in the picture. With Mohamed Salah’s future still unclear amid persistent Saudi Pro League interest, the Reds view Semenyo as a potential ready-made option to strengthen their attack.

 

Tottenham Hotspur are also showing concrete interest. Keen to inject more directness into their frontline as they chase a top-four finish, Spurs are reportedly preparing an opening bid.

 

After a mixed debut campaign at Bournemouth, Semenyo has taken a huge step forward this season, emerging as one of the league’s most effective forwards. He has already registered six goals and three assists in all competitions and ranks highly for successful dribbles and progressive carries.

 

At present, City appear to hold the advantage, leaving Liverpool and Spurs with ground to make up. Bournemouth are under no immediate pressure to cash in but could be persuaded if the release clause is met.

 

Although Semenyo is believed to favour a move to Liverpool, the prospect of joining a Manchester City side locked in a title battle with Arsenal could yet prove decisive.