Arsenal endure title blow as Man City full £62.5m Antoine Semenyo switch
Manchester City have unveiled the signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in a deal worth £62.5million, with the winger penning a contract until the summer of 2031
Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes have been dealt a huge blow after Manchester City confirmed the signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.
Semenyo, 26, has signed a five-and-a-half year contract at the Etihad Stadium and gives Pep Guardiola’s side a major boost in their pursuit of a fifth top-flight title in six years.
The Ghana international has been in blistering form this season, scoring 10 goals and provided three assists in 21 appearances for Bournemouth. He netted the winner on his final appearance for the Cherries in a last-gasp 3-2 win against Tottenham on Wednesday before finalising his move to City.
Speaking after the move was complete, Semenyo said: “I am so proud to have joined Manchester City.
“I have watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola, and they have been the dominant team in the Premier League as well as achieving amazing things in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.
“They have set the highest of standards and it’s a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the greatest managers ever in Pep. I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me. It’s a real privilege to be here.
“My best football is yet to come, I am sure of that. And City are in a great position – still involved in four competitions. I really feel I can help them have a strong second half of the season. The Etihad is my new home. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans here and I hope to show everyone what I can do.”
Semenyo is available for City’s FA Cup game at home to Exeter City on Saturday, Tuesday’s trip to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup and their next Premier League game against Manchester United.
City sit six points behind Arsenal in the race for the Premier League table but Semenyo will no doubt give Guardiola’s side a massive boost as they attempt to close down and chase the Gunners.
As for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, they had been linked with a move for Semenyo, but like Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea, missed out on the former Bristol City man as City swooped in.
The Gunners, who were held to a 0-0 draw against Liverpool on Thursday, are still the favourites for the Premier League but the addition of Semenyo to City’s ranks will give them a major lift.
Although City boast a plethora of talent in the wide areas, Semenyo will add more quality and versatility to Guardiola’s squad going into the remainder of the season.
