Why do Man City want to sign Antoine Semenyo – and where does he fit in? | OneFootball

Manchester City are reportedly leading the race to sign Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. 

The Ghana international has been in electric form this season, scoring eight goals in 16 league games so far this campaign. 

His impressive performances have attracted the interest of several top clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea. But with Chelsea having reportedly pulled out of the race to sign him, it is Manchester City who look the most likely to bring him in. 

So where does he fit in under Pep Guardiola? 

Why do City want him?

Guardiola is already blessed with a host of exciting attacking options, most of all Erling Haaland, who has been outstanding this season and has scored 25 goals in 23 games in all competitions. Premier League betting sites understandably have him as the frontrunner to be crowned player of the season. 

But with City trailing Arsenal by two points, further bolstering their attack could make all the difference in the title race. 

Semenyo has regularly been the difference maker for Andoni Iraola’s side this season, often creating goals out of nothing, and it is these moments of magic that has likely persuaded Guardiola that he could be a brilliant addition. 

Moreover, the 25-year-old also reportedly has a £65m release clause in his contract, which runs out in January. This should, theoretically, make a deal both more straightforward and more affordable too. 

Where will he play?

Semenyo’s versatility is another attractive proposition for City, but it is on the left-wing where he has enjoyed the most success for Bournemouth. 

He is deadly when cutting in on his right foot and shooting, and City would look to maximise that skillset should they complete a deal for him. 

Guardiola has regularly rotated his wingers this season, with Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, and Savinho among those who have played on the left.  

Doku has recently returned from injury but was in fine form prior to that and looked to be getting better and better, so demoting him at the expense of Semenyo would seem a strange choice. 

But with how busy City’s schedule is, having Doku and Semenyo rotating as the starting left-wingers is a hugely exciting prospect. 

Will players need to leave City?

City’s forward line is already stacked and the addition of Semenyo would surely mean players have to leave, particularly with Guardiola’s preference for a smaller squad. 

Savinho, Oscar Bobb and Omar Marmoush would appear the most likely to be moved on to make way for Semenyo’s arrival. It is impossible for him to fit everyone in.