Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo makes decision on future as Chelsea, Arsenal withdraw from race - Paper Round
Updated 24/12/2025 at 08:45 GMT
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The future of Antoine Semenyo continues to dominate the headlines, with the Bournemouth winger now said to have made a decision on his future. It comes after reports that Chelsea and Arsenal decided not to join the pursuit of the 25-year-old. Manchester City are reportedly now leading the battle for Semenyo. Elsewhere, Barcelona could make a move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi in January.
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Man City lead Semenyo chase
Manchester City are in pole position to sign Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo in January, according to the Mail.
The 25-year-old winger has also been linked with a move to Manchester United and Liverpool, with his £65 million release clause proving tempting to the Premier League giants.
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Chelsea are said to have withdrawn from the race after making an enquiry.
"Antoine Semenyo is understood to favour a move to Manchester City in the January transfer window," reads the article.
"Pep Guardiola's side look likely to win the race for the Bournemouth star amid interest from a host of Premier League sides.
"Should Man City seal a deal it would represent a blow to Manchester United, who had been battling their city rivals for the attacker's signature.
"Liverpool have previously done due diligence on him too, with Tottenham having also registered interest.
"Semenyo is available for £65million in the January window, although his release clause expires in the second week of the month.
"Daily Mail Sport reported that Chelsea had also come to the table on Monday evening, after Semenyo had spent a day off weighing up his options.
"The Blues have now withdrawn from the race."
Arsenal not expected to make Semenyo move
Arsenal are also said to have turned down the opportunity to pursue Semenyo.
A report in Metro, citing The Athletic’s David Orstein, claims The Gunners are not prepared to act on their interest in the Ghana international until the summer.
"Arsenal are unlikely to compete with Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool to sign Antoine Semenyo in the January transfer window, according to reports," states the article.
"According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Arsenal are not expected to be in the race to sign Semenyo next month as Mikel Arteta’s side view the deal as more of a summer move, but the 25-year-old does not want to wait."
In a separate report, talkSPORT claim Mikel Arteta’s charges are only open to a move for Semenyo in the January window if they offload a winger.
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Barca could launch Guehi bid in January
Barcelona may launch a bid for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi in January after Andreas Christensen suffered a serious injury.
Guehi is out of contract this summer but the Catalan giants may opt to launch a bid for the England international next month.
Christensen is expected to face a significant spell on the sidelines after an ACL injury.
The Mirror writes: "Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is sure to be in high demand next summer when his contract expires. The England centre-back will be free to speak to potential overseas suitors in January with a view to a pre-contract agreement, but Barcelona may have reason to move even sooner.
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"Barca are one of a number of clubs expected to be in the running for Guehi, whose Palace exit looks to be a formality. However, a mid-season move could now be on the cards after Hansi Flick's side lost Andreas Christensen to an ACL injury.
"Former Chelsea star Christensen could now miss the remainder of the season, with his team indicating that his return date is unknown for now. They are likely to have a better idea when they see how well the Dane's recovery progresses."
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