Manchester City are firmly in the Premier League title race and could bring a high-profile star to the Etihad Stadium in January after Pep Guardiola hatched a plan to land his signature.
Manchester City move on after seeing off Leeds United
Truthfully, Manchester City didn’t put on their best display against Leeds United. However, they will be delighted by the end result as Phil Foden’s classy winner prevented back-to-back defeats after losing out at Newcastle United.
Title races are never straightforward and always require steel in the face of uncertainty, albeit Guardiola reserved special praise for the scorer of the Citizens’ crowning strike as they kept on track in pursuit of the top-flight crown.
“It’s not the first time we saw that. A thousand, thousand, million times he’s done it. The quality, shooting, strong. Like his goal against West Ham to win the Premier League. Phil has to be around the box. Shoot or pass. His finishing is so quick. Phil is doing a really good season.”
Back-to-back blanks in front of goal for Erling Haaland may be a sign that more needs to be done in the way of recruiting someone to plug the gaps at the top end of the field. Still, Omar Marmoush is likely to be given more opportunities as the season continues to unfold.
Keeping pace at the top will require investment in January, especially given the Citizens’ rivals are likely to strengthen after a bruising festive period, which is set to stretch everyone’s squad to the limit.
Finding solutions when certain sources of goals dry up will be the challenge for all title contenders, not just Manchester City, but they could be the ones set to benefit early on in the January window if the Sky Blues can wrap up an exciting deal.
Elliot Anderson is one of their main targets but there are other irons in the fire.
Man City keen to activate Antoine Semenyo's release clause
According to The Times, Manchester City are exploring a move for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.
They are considering activating the winger’s £65m release clause on New Year’s Day, potentially beating other suitors to sign the Ghana international.
Although not set in stone, there is a feeling at the club that bringing in the Cherries attacker could be the difference in their hunt for the Premier League title, an opinion that many will share after his flying start to the campaign.
Semenyo’s 2025/26 record – all competitions
Appearances
13
Goals
6
Assists
1
Dubbed “talented” by Jamie Redknapp, Semenyo has also created 15 chances and completed 21 dribbles on Premier League duty, per Fotmob, showcasing his appeal to suitors keen to tempt him away from the South Coast.
Now, it will be over to City officials as they aim to convince Semenyo that moving to Manchester is the best course of action for his career. On the face of it, playing a part in a title chase could be an appealing prospect.
Alongside Anderson: Man City open talks to sign "top-drawer" £70m star
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