Chelsea step aside as Semenyo leans toward Man City switch

Antoine Semenyo
December 2025

Antoine Semenyo is now viewed as favouring Manchester City after Chelsea backed away just hours after making an initial enquiry. Bournemouth’s winger has a £65 million release clause that is only live in the opening 10 days of January, sharpening the timeline for a decision among elite Premier League suitors. Confident in their current forward stable, Chelsea will monitor the market into 2026 instead of bidding now, leaving City, Liverpool and Manchester United in a three-way race. City sporting chief Hugo Viana has held direct talks, as Semenyo weighs immediate title prospects against playing time and long-term role.