City boss Pep Guardiola is a confirmed fan of Semenyo having praised the player earlier in the season before transfer talk intensified. "He's an extraordinary, extraordinary, extraordinary player," the Spaniard said of the winger.
"His energy, his confidence, his movement - unbelievable. He doesn't stop running, he attacks space so well, and when he has the ball, you feel something will happen. He's improving every game. Players like him make this league special - always hungry, always brave."
Former goalkeeper Rob Green also looked into why City want Semenyo, telling BBC 5 Live: "He can drive forward with the ball vertically, rather than Doku who comes in and out.
"He can do that something different Pep is looking for. Short term they have their own injury problems, with Oscar Bobb out, Doku out, Marmoush away [at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt], so he can help short term and long term."
Green did raise concerns over Savinho's future at the Etihad Stadium, however, adding: "It does raise the question what future someone like Savinho has though."