Manchester City and Manchester United have emerged as favorites to sign Antoine Semenyo after Chelsea withdrew from the race for the Bournemouth forward and his time-sensitive £65 million release clause.
Chelsea have officially withdrawn from the race to sign Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, leaving Manchester City and Manchester United as the primary frontrunners.
While the Blues cooled their interest, four other Premier League giants—including Liverpool and Tottenham—have made enquiries.
Manchester City has reportedly made “positive progress” in recent days. The 25-year-old’s future hinges on a specific £65 million release clause that is only active during the first ten days of the January transfer window.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola admitted the club is vulnerable but remains hopeful of retaining his star player, who is entering his career prime.
Iraola stated, “[It is] not my concern, my concern is it doesn’t affect his performances. It is not doing, he is very committed to the team and I hope we can keep him here.”
The Cherries are reportedly open to negotiations with any suitor willing to loan Semenyo back until the season’s end.
Semenyo intends to make a swift decision to avoid a drawn-out transfer saga, prioritizing long-term sporting projects and family impact.
Liverpool remains a wild card in the pursuit, potentially accelerating interest following Alexander Isak’s broken leg.
Despite the high-stakes interest, Iraola remains realistic about the upcoming window, noting, “Antoine right now is our player… but every time the market opens, you never know what is going to happen
.”