By MICHAEL PAVITT, SPORTS REPORTER
Published: 14:44 EST, 23 December 2025 | Updated: 14:49 EST, 23 December 2025
Antoine Semenyo is understood to favour a move to Manchester City in the January transfer window.
Pep Guardiola's side look likely to win the race for the Bournemouth star amid interest from a host of Premier League sides.
Should Man City seal a deal it would represent a blow to Manchester United, who had been battling their city rivals for the attacker's signature.
Liverpool have previously done due diligence on him too, withTottenham having also registered interest.
Daily Mail Sport reported that Chelsea had also come to the table on Monday evening, after Semenyo had spent a day off weighing up his options.
The Blues have now withdrawn from the race.
Antoine Semenyo is understood to favour a move to Manchester City in the January window
Pep Guardiola's side could beat their city rivals Manchester United to Semenyo's signature
Chelsea pulled out of the race to sign Semenyo after making an initial enquiry for the star
Semenyo is available for £65million in the January window, although his release clause expires in the second week of the month.
The Ghana international was born in west London and has an affiliation with Chelsea, but the Blues will not take their interest in the attacker further at this stage.
Daily Mail Sport understands Chelsea have belief in Enzo Maresca's attacking options, but are open to additions, more likely in the summer transfer window.
The Blues are expected to also look to reward leading performers in their squad.
Scoring 11 goals last season, Semenyo was on the radar of a number of top clubs last summer and has followed that up with eight goals in 16 appearances this term.
Semenyo's contract with Bournemouth runs until 2030, and boss Androni Iraola has said the forward remains fully focused on his job despite the noise around his future.
The Ghanaian star - who is not at AFCON after his nation's failure to qualify - joined the Cherries from Bristol City in 2023 for £10.5million and has since established himself as one of the Premier League's most dynamic and exciting attackers.