Antoine Semenyo has reportedly made his decision on his next destination ahead of the January transfer window, with the Bournemouth star having a £65million release clause in his contract
19:38, 23 Dec 2025
Antoine Semenyo
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Antoine Semenyo has chosen to join Manchester City(Image: Getty Images)
Antoine Semenyo has reportedly chosen to join Manchester City in the January transfer window.
The 25-year-old Ghanaian international is much sought after, with the transfer window set to open in just over a week. Despite signing a new deal with the Cherries in the summer, a £65million release clause has piqued the interest of all the Premier League's top clubs.
However, interested parties will only have until January 10 to activate the clause, a stipulation designed to give Bournemouth enough time to secure a replacement. But it's reported by multiple sources that Semenyo has decided to reject the interest of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea to join Pep Guardiola's side.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 20: Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth celebrates after he scores a goal to make it 1-0 during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Burnley at Vitality Stadium on December 20, 2025 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
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Antoine Semenyo's Bournemouth contract features a £65million release clause(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth, AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Chelsea had taken a step back in their pursuit of Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, despite making an enquiry about the highly-rated winger on Tuesday, ahead of the January transfer window.
It emerged that Chelsea were considering a last-minute bid for the winger to bolster their attacking ranks. Although the Blues did sign two wingers, Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho, in the summer, they have long been admirers of Semenyo, having contemplated a move for him back in 2019 when he was still at Bristol City.
But Chelsea decided against making a move for Semenyo then, and have pulled out of the race now.
It's understood that the two Manchester clubs have had the most substantial discussions with the player's representatives. And according to Fabrizio Romano, Semenyo has indicated City as his preferred destination despite United pushing hard to sign the forward.
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City have been moving ahead with their pursuit of Semenyo over the past 12 hours and are now progressing to complete a deal in the coming days.
The Cherries star, who turns 26 early next month, has scored eight goals and registered three assists in 16 Premier League games this season.