Manchester City intensify Antoine Semenyo transfer pursuit as Chelsea exit race | OneFootball

Hugo Viana and Manchester City are intensifying their efforts to sign Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo in the upcoming January transfer window, according to reports.

The 25-year-old forward has been at the centre of an increasingly fast-moving transfer saga over recent days, with his £65 million release clause dictating the pace and urgency of discussions.

Manchester City have long been positioned as one of the most serious suitors, and developments over the last 24 hours suggest the Etihad Stadium hierarchy are now looking to bring matters to a conclusion swiftly.

Interest in Semenyo has steadily escalated throughout autumn and into the winter, with Manchester United consistently described as City’s closest competitors, while Liverpool have also been linked at various stages – albeit more cautiously.

As for Tottenham, the pursuit from North London has cooled as attention shifts elsewhere, while in West London, Chelsea’s enquiry on Monday night briefly threatened to disrupt the landscape, but that interest now appears to have been short-lived as they withdraw interest.

From Manchester City’s perspective, the appeal of Semenyo is well established as Pep Guardiola aims to sign a wide forward capable of providing regular goals – an attribute the club seemingly believe is not consistently delivered by current options.

Now, according to the information of Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City have been ‘pushing a lot’ in the last 12 hours to try and advance on a deal for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo with sporting director Hugo Viana in direct talks with the player’s camp.

The report further reveals that City want a final answer ‘as soon as possible’ with Manchester United still insisting, Liverpool monitoring the situation, and Chelsea out of the race having made an inquiry.

Chelsea’s withdrawal simplifies the picture, but does not remove all uncertainty, with United’s continued insistence ensuring Manchester City cannot afford to delay, particularly with the release clause active for only the first 10 days of the upcoming January window.

Bournemouth are likely to be resigned to losing their star attacker should the clause be triggered, despite a preference to retain him until the summer. Should City secure a positive response in the coming days, attention would then turn to formalising the release clause payment and finalising personal terms – which are expected to have been already discussed.

If hesitation remains, however, the door stays open for Manchester United to reassert themselves or for Liverpool to escalate interest. Either way, Semenyo’s future appears increasingly likely to be resolved imminently, with City now firmly pressing for clarity.