In a significant January transfer coup, Manchester City are poised to secure the signing of Bournemouth's in-form forward Antoine Semenyo, beating Premier League rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur to his signature.
Medical Booked After Final Bournemouth Appearance
According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a deal is fully agreed and a medical has been scheduled. Semenyo is expected to play his final game for Bournemouth against Tottenham on Wednesday night before completing his move to the Etihad Stadium.
The £65 million release clause in his Cherries contract, which was set to expire this weekend, has been triggered by City ahead of the January 10 deadline. Romano confirmed the news on his YouTube channel, stating: "Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City, he's coming, the medical has been booked, everything is ready."
Top Clubs Miss Out on Coveted Forward
The Ghanaian international has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season, attracting widespread interest. Alongside Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool, and Manchester United were all credited with a serious interest in the player. Arsenal had also been loosely linked in recent months.
However, Semenyo's desire to work under manager Pep Guardiola at the reigning champions proved decisive. He has reportedly chosen City's project over moves to any of the other suitors, handing a major blow to the transfer plans of both Chelsea and Tottenham.
Spurs and Chelsea Left Searching for Alternatives
The news compounds a difficult period for Tottenham, who sit 13th in the table and are now seven points adrift of the Champions League places. Manager Thomas Frank had openly admitted his side are "a little bit short on offensive options," especially after an injury to Mohammed Kudus.
Chelsea, under new manager Liam Rosenior, are in a slightly better position in fifth but are still three points off the top four. Both London clubs will now be forced to look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements this month as they aim to close the gap on Liverpool in fourth.
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola appeared to acknowledge the impending departure in his pre-match press conference, saying of the Tottenham game: "I think it could be the last game. That is my personal opinion... I understand the market and the noise."
