One of the Premier League’s breakout stars, Antoine Semenyo, is poised to make a move to Manchester City in a mammoth January switch.
According to the BBC, Semenyo’s camp and City officials have had positive talks in recent days, with a host of clubs interested in the 25-year-old’s services.
Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United were reportedly the rivals in the race for his signature.
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Interestingly, Liverpool have also reportedly inquired about the winger’s availability after their marquee signing Alexander Isak suffered a broken leg.
City’s cross-town rivals, United, reportedly pulled out of the race as they understood Semenyo would be joining the Manchester team in blue.
The Ghana international has scored eight goals and assisted three more in his 16 appearances this season.
Semenyo has a £65 million ($131m AUD) release clause in his Bournemouth contract and the club are resigned to losing a player who has become pivotal to their success.
However, they are hopeful any negotiations could see him remain at his current club until the end of the season, instead of making a permanent move.
“I know there is lots of noise around him,” Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola said.
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“(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.
“(A) situation we cannot control, but Antoine right now is our player, going to continue playing for us.
“If you ask me, I don’t want to lose him, definitely don’t. But every time the market opens, you never know what is going to happen.”
Semenyo’s decision will reportedly come down to his own personal ambitions.