Arsenal sent clear Premier League title race message as £62.5m transfer announced

Manchester City have pulled off a major signing as the Premier League title race with Arsenal heats up

Manchester City have announced the signing of Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo in a major boost to their Premier League title race with Arsenal. The Gunners currently sit top of the table, six points ahead of Pep Guardiola’s side.

However, Arsenal have been in this position before, only to see both City and Liverpool overtake them in recent seasons. While Liverpool are currently 14 points back, City are expected to push Arsenal hard for a title the north London club haven’t lifted since 2004.

Semenyo’s arrival will certainly give City a boost, with the winger having been a standout performer on the south coast in recent years.

A club statement read: “Manchester City are delighted to confirm the signing of Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth. The 26-year-old has penned a five-and-a-half-year deal, which will see him stay at the Etihad Stadium through to 2031.

“Semenyo has enjoyed a meteoric rise to become one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards. Born in London of Ghanaian descent, Semenyo started his professional career at Bristol City but he also took in loan spells at Bath City, Newport County and Sunderland as he further honed his craft.

“After impressing at Ashton Gate, Bournemouth spotted his potential and took him to the Premier League midway through the 2022/23 season from where his career has gone from strength to strength ever since. Chiefly operating down the left side of an attacking midfield trio, Semenyo’s time with the Cherries has seen him emerge as one of the Premier League’s most exciting and sought-after attacking wingers.

“Everyone at Manchester City would like to welcome Antoine to the Club and wish him all the best on his new venture.”

Speaking on the move, 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.”

Liverpool made an attempt to join the race, with Chelsea also showing interest before later pulling out. Semenyo played his final game for Bournemouth on Wednesday, scoring a late winner in their 3–2 victory over Tottenham.

Meanwhile, former Arsenal star Alan Smith has feared that signing Semenyo could see them beat his old club to silverware. “I’m a bit worried about City and Semenyo, and if they get Guehi,” the told In The Mixer.

“I don’t like that at all, because as City are at the moment, I think Arsenal are better in terms of the squad. But listen, if City are breathing down their necks with four or five games to go, how are Arsenal going to handle it? That is the question.”

Arsenal shared the spoils with Liverpool on Thursday night, missing the chance to take three points and pull further clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa in second and third place respectively.