Sun Jan 04 16:40:00 UTC 2026: Manchester City Set to Sign Semenyo for £65m; Chelsea Faces Familiar Faces at Etihad

Manchester, UK – Manchester City are reportedly on the verge of signing Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo for a hefty £65 million. While the transfer has raised eyebrows given City’s existing talent on the right flank with players like Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden, the move underscores the growing need for squad depth in the congested modern football calendar. The Ghanaian international, known for his pace, skill, and work ethic, is seen as a valuable addition by Pep Guardiola. The fee, while significant, highlights the inflation in the English football transfer market, where such amounts are becoming increasingly commonplace.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s visit to the Etihad Stadium for their 5:30 pm GMT kick-off will be a reunion for several players. Five Chelsea players, including Tosin Adarabioyo, Cole Palmer, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Roméo Lavia, were previously developed at Manchester City’s academy. The connection between the two clubs extends beyond player origins, with Chelsea’s recent recruitment strategy heavily influenced by City’s player development model. Even Chelsea’s caretaker manager for this game, Calum McFarlane, previously worked at City’s academy as an under-18s assistant.

Team Lineups:

  • Manchester City (Possible 4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Rodri; Cherki, Bernardo Silva, Reijnders, Foden; Haaland.
  • Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Acheampong, Chalobah, Badiashile, Gusto; James, Fernandez; Estevao, Palmer, Pedro Neto; Joao Pedro.

Josko Gvardiol, Rodri, and Tijjani Reijnders return to the City side. Chelsea has made five changes, with Filip Jorgensen, Benoit Badiashile, Reece James, Pedro Neto, and Joao Pedro entering the starting lineup. Chelsea will miss the suspended Moises Caicedo.

With Arsenal widening the gap at the top of the Premier League, this game carries significant weight for Manchester City. While Chelsea arrives in a state of flux, City will need to be wary of a side looking to make a statement.

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