Revealed: Antoine Semenyo’s stance amid Manchester City interest as one figure drives transfer pursuit

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is being directly credited for the desire from within the Etihad Stadium to sign Antoine Semenyo, according to reports.

Concerns have been voiced in some quarters about the lack of reliable goal contributions from the flanks at City, while the club’s recruitment team is believed to have debated whether to pursue a powerful, direct winger or a more intricate, possession-oriented option in 2026.

Antoine Semenyo’s name has featured prominently with the Bournemouth forward having been tracked extensively by Manchester City scouts and analysts, with Pep Guardiola also understood to hold a long-standing admiration for the Ghana international.

That interest has intensified amid strong Premier League performances this season and the presence of a clearly defined release clause in his contract, which has sharpened attention from several top clubs.

Liverpool continue to hover in the background, Manchester United have been described as serious rivals, and Tottenham remain keen. Bournemouth, meanwhile, have reiterated their preference to retain the player for the remainder of the season.

According to the information of talkSPORT, Semenyo himself is calm about his future amid growing interest from five Premier League clubs ahead of 2026, including from Manchester City.

Interest from within the Etihad Stadium in Semenyo has reportedly been driven by manager Pep Guardiola himself, who wants to add a winger who can bring goals to the side from the wide forward position.

The long-standing Catalan tactician feels this attribute is lacking in current options Savinho, Oscar Bobb and Jeremy Doku, and the release clause in the Ghanaian’s Bournemouth contract presents an intriguing opportunity.

City are far more likely to act decisively when the manager views a player as a tactical solution rather than simply a market opportunity. Semenyo’s ability to combine physicality, direct running, and goal threat from wide areas aligns closely with what City believe has been missing for them of late.

That said, a January move remains far from guaranteed. City have historically preferred to avoid mid-season business unless conditions are ideal, and Bournemouth’s desire to delay any sale could push negotiations toward the summer or even into a structured 2026 agreement.

For now, Semenyo remains relaxed and focused on his football, while City continue to monitor developments closely. With Guardiola clearly invested in the idea of adding a goalscoring winger, this is a pursuit that appears likely to run for a little while longer.