Man City move ahead of Liverpool, Tottenham in race for $87m star

Bournemouth will face a battle to keep hold of winger Antoine Semenyo, with some of the biggest clubs in England targeting a move in the January transfer window.

Semenyo has been one of the stars of the 2025/26 Premier League season to date, contributing eight goals in 16 games for Bournemouth. He is still only 25 years old and has a release clause of £65 million ($87m) according to a report in The Athletic.

With little over a week to go until the transfer windows opens, Semenyo’s preference is a move to Manchester City next month. City have been perennial champions during Pep Guardiola’s time in charge and Semenyo is eager to challenge for trophies at this stage of his career. City are now in pole position to complete the Semenyo signing.

Previously Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur were also thought to be weighing a move for Semenyo. The recent injury to Alexander Isak could see Liverpool look for a versatile attacking player to bolster options, while Tottenham are aware of the need to add more offensive firepower.

One team out of the running is Chelsea, who have decided not to pursue the Bournemouth star despite some previous interest. BBC Sport reports that the Blues inquired about Semenyo earlier in the year but they have since decided against making a formal bid.

“I know there is lots of noise around him,” Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola said recently. “[It is] not my concern, my concern is it doesn’t affect his performances. It is not doing, he is very committed to the team and I hope we can keep him here.

“Antoine right now is our player, going to continue playing for us. If you ask me, I don’t want to lose him, definitely don’t. But every time the market opens, you never know what is going to happen.”

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