Manchester City braced for Antoine Semenyo decision today – Club ‘neck-and-neck’ for player’s signature | OneFootball

Officials at Manchester City could be braced for a decision on Antoine Semenyo’s future as soon as ‘today’, a new report has revealed.

The Bournemouth forward has been at the centre of mounting speculation throughout the build-up to January, with City consistently positioned among leading contenders. Etihad officials are believed to have maintained contact with Semenyo, while Pep Guardiola is said to be a key figure behind the club’s pursuit.

That interest has been shaped by Manchester City’s wider attacking review. Despite the technical strengths of Jeremy Doku, Savinho and Oscar Bobb, Guardiola is believed to feel that consistent end-product from wide forward positions has been lacking.

As such, Antoine Semenyo’s physicality, directness and Premier League output have made him an increasingly attractive profile, particularly with a clearly defined release clause offering certainty in negotiations.

Rival interest has complicated matters with Manchester United long described as serious competitors, with reports naming them alongside Manchester City as frontrunners, while Liverpool have hovered in the background amid shifting priorities.

Now, according to the information of Sky Sports News’ Lyall Thomas, Antoine Semenyo could make a decision on his future ‘today’, with an active release clause for the first half of the January transfer window – as widely reported.

Interestingly, it is revealed both Manchester United and Manchester City are ahead of other interested clubs and the two sides remain ‘neck-and-neck’ for his signature. However, Liverpool remain interested and are considering options after Alexander Isak’s injury.

As for Tottenham, who made a bid for the player in the last summer transfer window, the North London outfit are now believed to be focused on other targets.

From Manchester City’s perspective, the immediacy of the situation presents a familiar January dilemma. While the club typically prefer summer recruitment, the narrow activation period of Semenyo’s £65 million clause has forced a more decisive stance.

Should Semenyo opt to make a decision swiftly, Manchester City’s long-term project, Pep Guardiola’s direct backing, and the opportunity for a clearly defined role could prove decisive factors.

However, with Manchester United pushing hard and Liverpool monitoring developments closely, the coming hours may determine whether Manchester City secure one of their primary attacking targets or are forced to reassess their options.