Antoine Semenyo is expected to leave Bournemouth in the January transfer window, with Manchester City leading the race to sign the highly-rated forward
Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth
Antoine Semenyo has been linked with a move away from Bournemouth(Image: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Image)
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Manchester City have been informed why Antoine Semenyo is eager to join their ranks as soon as the January transfer window swings open. The Bournemouth ace has been strongly linked with a move to City in the New Year.
Semenyo's future has been a topic of discussion in recent months, with numerous clubs reportedly vying for his signature.
Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have all been mentioned as a potential destination for Semenyo, but City have surged ahead as the favourites in recent days.
It's widely reported that Semenyo has a £65million release clause which will expire midway through the January transfer window, reports the Manchester Evening News.
BBC Sport reporter Sami Mokbel has explained why City are leading the race to sign Semenyo, and why the player is keen to make the switch to the Etihad Stadium at the earliest opportunity.
"I think this one has got the potential to be the biggest, certainly financially, of the January transfer window," Mokbel said on Football Focus. "There are two conditions that need to be met: a £65million release clause which needs to be triggered by January 10.
"At the moment, Manchester City are in pole position and every indication that we've had so far leading up to today has been that he will go there.
"Bournemouth are quite keen for him to stay until January 10, they've got games against Brentford, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal.
"But my understanding is Semenyo wants this deal done rapidly and he wants to move to Manchester City, basically on January 1.
"So every indication we've got at the moment is that he'll be at the Etihad."
Antoine Semenyo during Bournemouth vs Burnley
Antoine Semenyo is in high demand heading into January
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Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola was quizzed about Semenyo's future following their 4-1 hammering by Brentford on Saturday.
"No, the more games Antoine can play for us, (the better)," Iraola said when asked if he would want Semenyo's exit wrapped up early in January.
"If he can play years for us, it's much better! If it cannot be years, it can be months. If he can only play weeks, it is weeks but the more time he plays with us, the better for us.
"Antoine's situation is quite clear. Antoine is a massive player for us and even in games like today where probably he hasn’t played well, he is always a threat to score and assist.
"Obviously I don't want to lose him. This is quite clear, but there are some situations that are not under my control. He will be available to play again in three days [versus Chelsea] and then the next one and I hope he plays a lot more with us."
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