Fabrizio Romano: 'Here we go' soon as verbal agreement reached for Man City and Man Utd target
Manchester City look set to complete a big January signing with a deal likely to happen in the next few days
Manchester City already have a verbal agreement in place to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano who has provided a fresh update on the deal on his YouTube channel.
The Cherries winger has been one of the standout players in the Premier League this season with nine goals and three assists so far. He has attracted interest from several clubs, with Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur also credited with an interest alongside City.
However, Pep Guardiola’s side are leading the race and look in pole position to get a deal done.
Semenyo has a release clause in his Bournemouth contract worth £65m but it is set to expire next week before an even lower release clause activates in the summer if he does not move on this month.
He does appear to be on his way to City, with Romano revealing that he will play for Bournemouth against Arsenal. Guardiola’s side are four points behind the Gunners in the Premier League title race but they want to retain a good relationship with Bournemouth so are willing to wait before completing a deal.
Giving an update, Romano said: “My understanding, guys, is that a verbal agreement between Manchester City and Bournemouth for Antoine Semenyo is already in place and almost ready for the value of the release clause, £65m.
“So the two clubs already spoke about that. It's just about the timing, when to release Semenyo, so it's just, you know, kind of diplomatic thing between Bournemouth and Manchester City.
“They have a good relationship, they want to maintain a good relationship, and so this is what they're doing. Understanding when it is going to be the best moment to let Antoine Semenyo travel, do the medical, get the here we go and become a new Manchester City player, but that remains the situation.”
He added: “I'm told that Manchester City have all set to sign Antoine Semenyo. It will be a here we go soon.”
There is little risk of other interested clubs such as United or Liverpool hijacking the deal as Semenyo is keen on a move to City. Guardiola’s side are in the title race and can offer Semenyo Champions League football.
Liverpool can also offer Champions League football but have endured an inconsistent campaign and are all-but out of the title race.