Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that the club beat off competition from “many clubs” to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.
Semenyo secured a £64 million ($84m) move from Bournemouth to Man City on Friday, with the 26-year-old expected to be in the squad for the FA Cup third round tie against Exeter City on Saturday.
The Ghanaian International could make his Premier League debut against Manchester United next weekend. United were one of the clubs also interested in Semenyo along with Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Arsenal.
Antoine Semenyo has joined Manchester City from Bournemouth. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
“Many clubs wanted him and he decided to join us so all I can say is thanks to him,” Guardiola said.
“We are very pleased. [For] a long time, we follow him.
“Everybody knows the qualities. He was extraordinary at Bournemouth and he can play on both sides, right and left. He can play as a striker as well with his pace. He knows the Premier League.”
As well as Semenyo, City have also been linked with a January move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi.
The England international is out of contract at Crystal Palace in the summer and City have been left short of centre-backs after injuries to Josko Gvardiol, Rúben Dias and John Stones.
Asked about the chances of the England International joining City before the transfer deadline, Guardiola.refused to be drawn on the topic.
“I don’t know, I cannot answer that question,” he said.
