Manchester City are now the "leading contenders" to sign a Premier League star who Pep Guardiola loves, according to recent reports.
Man City leading the race to sign Premier League star
Just as the Premier League title race begins to heat up, Man City are seemingly ready to turn towards the transfer market. As things stand, the Citizens sit just two points behind Arsenal, who needed a last-gasp winner to defeat bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.
Pep Guardiola's side have been here before up against Arsenal and will simply be waiting for their moment to strike once again. They're certainly in the form to challenge for the title too, having eased past Crystal Palace last time out courtesy of more goals from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, City have picked the perfect time to get back to their best. Unlike this time last year, there will be no panic buys from those at the Etihad. Anyone that does arrive will be due to a strategic move towards potential Premier League glory rather than a desperate need for reinforcements.
As such, several rumours have already emerged ahead of 2026 which surround the likes of Daniel Munoz and Antoine Semenyo. Recent reports have claimed that City are now in the race to sign Munoz in a move that would finally welcome a natural right-back to Guardiola's side.
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Meanwhile, according to Sky Sports' Lyall Thomas, Man City are now the "leading contenders" to sign Semenyo in the January transfer window, jumping ahead of both Manchester United and Liverpool. Only two players have scored more Premier League goals than the Bournemouth star this season and there's no doubt he'd only increase City's title chances.
Why Man City are so keen on "extraordinary" Semenyo
When Man City last won the Premier League title in the 2023/24 campaign, Semenyo would not have been the type of winger on their shortlist. Guardiola aimed for intricate players who kept things ticking rather than dominant goalscorers out wide. That's why City splashed out to sign Jack Grealish many moons ago.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola celebrates after the match-1 Related
Man City preparing move for £28m English star after direct request from Pep
Pep Guardiola has set his sights on an "incredible" Premier League player.
The Premier League has since changed, however. Goalscoring wingers and more physical players are now back in fashion, hence why Semenyo has emerged straight onto City's radar. Guardiola will be well aware that it's either adapt or get left behind in England's top flight and he is not willing to let Arsenal race away that easily.
Signing Semenyo won't come cheap after Bournemouth slapped a £65m release clause in his most recent contract, but praise from Guardiola himself suggests that he's not one that the Spaniard will want to miss out on.
"It's not just this season. He (Semenyo) fits perfectly into Bournemouth. He's extraordinary." (Guardiola in November)
With a goal at Old Trafford in Bournemouth's frantic 4-4 draw against Man United on Monday night, Semenyo is doing everything right if he wants to earn the approval of those at the Etihad.
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