Inside Antoine Semenyo’s Man City Move: Key Reason Behind Arsenal Rejection
- Antoine Semenyo became the most expensive Ghanaian player in history after completing a £62.5 million move to Manchester City
- The 26-year-old has wasted no time making his mark, playing a key role as City compete on four fronts this season
- Fresh details reveal there was a twist in the transfer saga, with the forward reportedly close to joining Arsenal before sealing his switch to the Sky Blues
- Michael Akomeah, better known as Sports Messiah, analysed how Semenyo tilts the EPL title race in favour of Man City in a chat with YEN.com.gh
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Antoine Semenyo is lighting up Manchester City’s attack, but the Ghana forward could easily have been wearing Arsenal colours this season.
The 26-year-old completed a blockbuster switch from Bournemouth to Manchester City on January 9, 2026.
The total package reached about £65 million, including a guaranteed £62.5 million fee. He signed a five-and-a-half-year deal that runs until June 2031, making him the most expensive Ghanaian transfer in history.
Source: Getty Images
Since arriving at the Etihad, the Black Stars attacker has wasted no time. Five goals and two assists in nine matches underline his sharp start.
Beyond the numbers, his energy and movement have injected fresh life into a side chasing four trophies. Yet the story could have unfolded differently.
How Arsenal missed out on signing Semenyo
According to Ghanaian journalist Michael Akomeah, Semenyo was offered to Arsenal before Manchester City made their move.
The player was open to joining the north London outfit, a club he supported growing up.
However, he was not their top target. Akomeah suggests he ranked third on Arsenal’s shortlist, behind Rafael Leao and Eberechi Eze. That decision opened the door for Manchester City to step in.
City presented their sporting vision and long-term plan. That pitch convinced the London-born forward that the Etihad was the right stage for the next chapter of his career. Looking at his early performances, the choice appears inspired.
Source: Getty Images
Pep Guardiola hails Semenyo’s impact at City
Manager Pep Guardiola has already highlighted the qualities the Ghanaian brings to his squad.
“The strikers and the players who play up front are so important. Not just that.
“Makes a special rhythm, his versatility to play many positions up front and in the three positions.
“We knew it and comes from Bournemouth, they are exceptional in the rhythm and defensively, and he has it in his DNA. His impact has been really good.
“The guys who came adapt quick because the guys for a long time here embrace them so quick.”
“It’s not just scoring a lot of goals,” he said.
How Semenyo helps City in EPL race dynamics
In an exclusive interview with YEN.com.gh, Sports Messiah of Wontumi FM fame dived deeper into Semenyo’s performance at City so far and how he could help swing the EPL title dynamics in favour of the Sky Blues.
"His ability to carry the ball vertically and generate shots from transitional moments gives City an edge in tighter games where structured buildup alone isn’t breaking teams down. Statistically, his progressive carries and duel success add unpredictability in wide areas, helping stretch low blocks and create secondary chances around the box. That unpredictability can be decisive in a title run in and provide huge support for Haaland."
Now, his focus shifts to the title race. City continues to pile pressure on Arsenal in the Premier League run-in. A home clash against Newcastle United comes up on February 21, according to Sofascore.
There is another twist in this tale. Manchester City will meet Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final on March 22, per talkSPORT.
Semenyo equals De Bruyne's 2015 milestone
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Antoine Semenyo is quickly earning a reputation as a record-breaker since joining Manchester City.
After equalling milestones linked to Emmanuel Adebayor and Sergio Agüero, he has now claimed another record previously held by Kevin De Bruyne.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
