Manchester City transfer talks could see player miss Arsenal match

Antoine Semenyo’s representatives are due in Manchester today to finalise contract terms, with City opening talks with Bournemouth over the finer details of his release clause.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND: Antoine Semenyo of AFC Bournemouth controls the ball during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Fulham at Vitality Stadium on October 03, 2025. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) — Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Sky Sports report that Antoine Semenyo’s representatives are due in Manchester on Monday, with Manchester City looking to close a deal and making formal contact with Semenyo’s current club Bournemouth.

Semenyo’s camp are travelling to Manchester to finalise contract terms, whilst City are in talks with Bournemouth over the finer points of his £65m release clause.

Talks are then expected to progress this week, with City looking to complete the signing when the transfer window opens on Thursday. Semenyo’s release clause is active from January 1st to January 10th.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND: Antoine Semenyo of AFC Bournemouth looks on as he warms up prior to the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Fulham at Vitality Stadium on October 03, 2025. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) — Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images

Sami Mokbel reported for the BBC this week that Semenyo was keen to have his move to City wrapped up on the first day of the winter transfer window, which is relevant news to Arsenal.

The Gunners play Bournemouth this weekend on January 3rd, so Semenyo’s involvement will depend on whether or not he’s finalised his transfer to Arsenal’s Premier League title rivals.

Mokbel had claimed that Bournemouth were keen for Semenyo to stay and play up until the deadline for his release clause, allowing him to face Arsenal, as well as Tottenham Hotspur (January 7th) and potentially Newcastle United (January 10th).

But given there’s a release clause, the timing of the move isn’t entirely in their control.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND: Antoine Semenyo of AFC Bournemouth warms up prior to the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Fulham at Vitality Stadium on October 03, 2025. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) — Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images

Whilst City might like the idea of Semenyo playing for Bournemouth against Arsenal, they do have to think about their own game against Chelsea that same weekend.

If Semenyo doesn’t complete his move, Arsenal beat Bournemouth, and City lose to Chelsea, any decision to delay will look very foolish.

David Ornstein recently reported for The Athletic that Arsenal were believed to have been Semenyo’s first-choice club if they’d been firmly at the table, but the Gunners never really went in for him.

Arsenal were more interested in a potential summer move, and the 25-year-old wasn’t willing to wait that long.