Barring a late surprise, Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo will be heading to Manchester City. Josep Guardiola’s side are ready to trigger his £65m release clause, which comes into effect on the first day of the January transfer window. Although the market is currently open, it remains to be seen how quickly this deal will progress.
But who’s to say that City’s business will end there? Last year, Guardiola brought in a number of players to rejuvenate his team, and they are once again chasing Premier League leaders Arsenal. Here, Express Sport takes a look at which players are thought to be the Etihad’s top signing priority this month.
Archie Griggs – Tino Livramento
The right side of defense has been a problem area for City since the decline of Kyle Walker. Rico Luiz is the only true right-back currently on their contract and it would be easy for them to commit to signing in this position in January.
Libramento has long been linked with City and would be the perfect candidate, bringing star quality and high potential in equal measure. However, it is unlikely that Newcastle would be prepared to let the 23-year-old go midway through the season.
Charlie Mallam – Elliot Anderson
Antoine Semenho appears to be the first signing, but with Bernardo Silva’s contract expiring at the end of the season, City will be acutely aware of the need to sign a new midfielder this month or in the summer.
Although a deal may have to wait until July, Anderson would be a great player for City. An all-action midfielder with sublime technical ability, elite on and off the ball and able to be used in multiple midfield roles, Andersson could be the perfect successor to the Portuguese icon.
He will cost City around £100m, but he is English and 23 years old. If he pays the premium, he will be a City player for the next 10 years.
Tom Parsons – Antoine Semenyo
Manchester City’s first signing of the January transfer window is effectively complete and the dust appears to have cleared already, with Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo likely to head to the Etihad Stadium at the start of the month.
The move is a smart one for City, as it rekindles an attack that has become increasingly reliant on Erling Haaland.
Semenyo will bring new energy to Pep Guardiola’s side and a desire to win silverware. And if he wants to succeed in the North West, the City boss must give his attackers permission to express themselves.
Jack McEachen – Mark Gehi
Manchester City need to be fully prepared for Marc Guehi’s departure from Crystal Palace this month.
The Englishman is set to become a free agent at the end of the season and Guehi would immediately improve City’s defense tenfold, even if he paid a significant premium.
John Stones’ fitness can no longer be trusted, Nathan Ake has been ruled out of the squad, Josko Gvardiol may be better suited at full-back and Abdukkodir Kusanov is not yet ready for the top level.
Guehi’s performance could help City move closer to Arsenal.
