Etihad Beckons as Manchester City Overtake Liverpool for Antoine Semenyo

Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo could be announced as a new Manchester City player as early as January, with the Etihad club in negotiations with Bournemouth over a mid-season transfer as they look to complete the deal ahead of Liverpool.

As per Skysports, Manchester City are willing to trigger his £65m release clause with talks at an advanced stage. Although personal terms are yet to be agreed, it is believed the deal will be concluded smoothly with the player keen on a move to Pep Guardiola’s side.

There is no rush to conclude the deal, with no other club expected to intervene at this stage and Semenyo’s release clause not set to become active until Thursday, when the January transfer window opens.

Manchester City are the only club to have formally contacted Bournemouth regarding the clause, which is believed to be valid from January 1 to January 10. Semenyo’s representatives were in Manchester on Monday to discuss personal terms with City while positive talks were held simultaneously between the two clubs.

Bournemouth have already stepped up their search for a replacement and are keen for the Ghanaian forward to feature against Arsenal and Tottenham on Wednesday, January 7, before the release window in his contract expires on January 10.

Liverpool continue to retain an interest in Semenyo, but unless the Premier League champions submit a late bid, the forward appears destined for a move to Manchester City.