Antoine Semenyo would have picked Arsenal

Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo would have picked Arsenal over Manchester City had the Gunners made a bid for him, according to The Athletic.

Semenyo has decided to join Manchester City from Bournemouth in the January transfer window, but he would have movd to Arsenal if the north London club had been willing to trigger his release clause of £65 million.

The report notes: ‘There is a feeling Arsenal would have ranked as his first choice had they been firmly at the table, although many tipped Liverpool to prevail given their stuttering title defence, the uncertainty around Mohamed Salah, and Anfield sporting director Richard Hughes having originally recruited him to Bournemouth.

‘Tottenham tried again, proposing a highly competitive salary, only for Semenyo to politely decline their advances and that resulted in City and United then emerging as the leading contenders.’

The report added: ‘One of the most talked-about names ahead of the window is Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.

‘The 25-year-old grew up as an Arsenal fan and was naturally interested in the prospect of a move to the Emirates.

‘The admiration is mutual — Arsenal have been impressed by Semenyo’s rapid development at Bournemouth.

‘While there was some contact between the parties, it was clear from the outset that Arsenal’s interest was on the basis of a summer move rather than January.

‘With Semenyo eager to move soon, Manchester City now seem to have emerged as the player’s preferred choice.’