Manchester United enter Antoine Semenyo transfer chase as Manchester City update revealed | OneFootball

Manchester City are being seen by some as the strongest contenders in the chase to sign Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo in 2026, a new report has revealed.

The Bournemouth forward has become one of the most closely watched attacking players ahead of January, with City’s planning placing renewed emphasis on wide areas amid some doubts during the first-half of the campaign.

Previous reports have suggested that Pep Guardiola and staff have been debating whether a new winger addition should be a powerful, direct profile, or a more intricate, technical operator – a discussion in which Semenyo’s name has featured prominently. And reported admiration for the Ghana international has only reinforced City’s continued monitoring.

Recent reporting has also highlighted the club’s reliance on Erling Haaland for goals and the absence of a consistent, Riyad Mahrez-style wide threat. Antoine Semenyo’s output, physicality, and ability to operate across the frontline have therefore positioned him as a realistic option, particularly given clarity provided by a release clause.

Competition, however, continues to intensify, and the latest in that battle for the player’s signature has welcomed one of Manchester City’s most bitter rivals into the equation.

According to the information of Sky Sports News’ Lyall Thomas and Rob Dorsett, Manchester United and Manchester City are firmly in the race to sign Antoine Semenyo – who is known to have a £65 million release clause in his contract becoming active in January.

From the side of City, Etihad Stadium officials are reportedly keeping close tabs on developments with the 25-year-old, and it is revealed that ‘some insiders’ believe Pep Guardiola’s side are now the ‘strongest contenders’ for his signature.

Elsewhere, Tottenham are described as being keen while United are ‘considered serious rivals’, and Liverpool are believed to ‘still be in the background’.

On the subject of those at Old Trafford, it is highlighted that their ‘biggest obstacle’ is financial, as a £65 million fee could have serious repercussions on what they can afford to spend in the summer.

Bournemouth’s previously stated preference to keep Semenyo until the end of the season – unless the clause is triggered – means Manchester City can continue to track the situation without committing prematurely.

For Manchester United, and budgetary constraints already shaping their wider transfer strategy, committing £65 million in January may limit flexibility and as such see City better placed to absorb such a fee if Pep Guardiola decides the timing is right.

As January approaches, the next move may come down to who is prepared to act decisively. If no club triggers the clause, the balance could swing further in City’s favour ahead of the summer with the club then allowed to put foundations in place in the months that follow.