Inside Antoine Semenyo’s Manchester City Move: Why Arsenal Missed Out

Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has made an immediate impact at Manchester City following his record-breaking transfer in January 2026. The 26-year-old forward joined the Premier League champions from AFC Bournemouth in a deal valued at £62.5 million, with the total package rising to approximately £65 million including add-ons. He signed a five-and-a-half-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until June 2031, becoming the most expensive Ghanaian player in history.

Since his arrival on January 9, 2026, Semenyo has quickly justified the club’s significant investment. The Black Stars attacker has registered five goals and two assists in his first nine appearances, offering pace, directness, and tactical intelligence to a side competing across four major competitions. Beyond his goal contributions, his energy and relentless pressing have added a new dimension to City’s forward line at a crucial stage of the season.

However, recent revelations indicate that Semenyo’s move to Manchester could have taken a different turn. According to Ghanaian journalist Michael Akomeah, the forward was offered to Arsenal before City formalised their interest. Semenyo, who grew up supporting the North London club, was reportedly open to the switch. Yet Arsenal’s recruitment priorities ultimately led them elsewhere.

Reports suggest that Semenyo ranked third on Arsenal’s shortlist of attacking targets, behind Portuguese winger Rafael Leao and England international Eberechi Eze. With the Gunners focused on alternative options, Manchester City moved swiftly to secure the Ghanaian’s signature.

City’s decisive approach, coupled with a clear sporting vision and long-term development plan, proved persuasive. The opportunity to work under manager Pep Guardiola and compete consistently for major honours convinced Semenyo that the Etihad Stadium was the ideal platform for the next phase of his career. His early performances suggest that decision has already paid dividends.

Guardiola has publicly praised Semenyo’s versatility and tactical discipline. The City manager highlighted the forward’s ability to operate across multiple attacking positions, noting that his adaptability enhances the team’s fluid style of play. In addition to his offensive qualities, Guardiola emphasised Semenyo’s defensive work rate—an attribute honed during his time at Bournemouth, a club known for its high-intensity approach.

“It’s not just about scoring goals,” Guardiola explained. “His rhythm, his versatility to play across the front three, and his defensive instincts are important. He has adapted quickly, and the team has embraced him.”

Semenyo’s seamless integration comes at a pivotal moment. Manchester City remain firmly in contention for the Premier League title, applying pressure on Arsenal in a tightly contested race. A league fixture against Newcastle United precedes an intriguing showdown between City and Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final on March 22.

That final adds a compelling narrative to Semenyo’s story. Should he feature against the club that once hesitated to prioritise him, it will present a timely opportunity to demonstrate precisely what Arsenal passed up.

For now, Semenyo’s focus remains on sustaining his strong start and helping Manchester City maintain momentum on multiple fronts. If his opening weeks are any indication, his record transfer fee may soon look like a bargain.