Better move than Semenyo: Man City dreaming of signing £85m “warrior”
Manchester City will be praying, despite some wobbles across recent matches, that they can go the distance with Arsenal in the ongoing Premier League title race.
A faultless winning run of eight matches in all competitions has now come to a halt with two uninspiring draws against Sunderland and Chelsea, with former Blues striker Daniel Sturridge stating after the 1-1 draw that the managerless away side “thoroughly deserved” a share of the points.
To help boost their chances of pipping the Gunners to the title, City look to be edging ever closer to officially announcing AFC Bournemouth superstar Antoine Semenyo on a statement January deal.
£65m being dropped on the Cherries attacker, but that won’t deter City from spending plenty more cash across the rest of the haywire window to come.
Man City dreaming of £85m move
Sky Sports pundit Sturridge weighed in further with his views on what the entertaining Ghanaian could offer at the Etihad post the disappointing Chelsea draw, stating that the ex-Bristol City forward’s “goal-driven” nature will make Guardiola’s men even more of a tantalising watch in the forward areas.
City could also look to shore up their midfield ranks in January, too, spending big to sign another high-class Premier League star.
Indeed, TEAMtalk report that the ten-time Premier League champions are dreaming of an audacious swoop for £85m-rated Elliot Anderson, to back up their much-talked-about move for Semenyo.
The report states that City wants to bolster their midfield options, even with Rodri back to full fitness, with Anderson sticking out as their desired target.
It’s further stated that Manchester United – who are also keen on Anderson’s signature – will fall behind in the race for the ex-Newcastle United man’s services, owing to the toxicity at Old Trafford at the moment, with Anderson also noted to be favouring a move to the sky blue half of Manchester, much like Semenyo made Guardiola and Co his top priority over Arne Slot’s Liverpool.
It’s been a remarkable ascent to the very top for Anderson, who was once plying his trade out on loan in the lower depths of the EFL with Bristol Rovers, as he potentially goes down as an even better long-term signing than Semenyo’s expected arrival.
Why Anderson could be a better signing than Semenyo
The excitement levels shouldn’t be dampened, however, regarding his counterpart’s anticipated move.
Indeed, Semenyo’s blistering tally of nine goals and three assists in the Premier League this season has even seen him branded as a “world-class” star by Cherries attacking teammate Justin Kluivert.
Further described as being “impossible to replace” by Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, the addition of Semenyo will only enhance City’s unbelievable firepower.
But, it might not be seen as the most pressing area of the pitch to drop £65m on, with Erling Haaland already leading the line with some venom, on top of Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku enjoying fine campaigns themselves.
Whereas, for £20m more, City could find their long-term heir to Rodri in Anderson, who has so often been the glue for Guardiola’s men centrally in their unbelievable title-winning exploits, having even won the Ballon d’Or during his celebrated stay at the Etihad.
Anderson’s PL numbers for Forest
Stat (* = per 90 mins)
24/25
25/26
Games played
37
20
Goals scored
2
1
Assists
6
1
Touches*
54.2
92.7
Accurate passes*
28.7 (82%)
59.3 (86%)
Big chances created
7
1
Ball recoveries*
5.6
8.3
Total duels won*
6.5
7.3
Stats by Sofascore
But, in recent times, it’s not always been guaranteed that the World Cup-winning battler will be fit, with Anderson potentially coming in to save the day to be equally as crucial to the City midfield, if a £85m move does get over the line.
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Looking at the table above, it’s clear that Anderson is in a league of his own in the Premier League as a “do-it-all midfielder-warrior” – as he was once branded by scout Ben Mattinson – with a ridiculous 8.3 ball recoveries and 7.7 duels won per game this season, backing up further claims that he is also “world-class” by commentator Jamie Martin.
While the powerful 23-year-old has consistently shone at the City Ground in the top-flight, with a standout six assists last season also sticking out, Semenyo hasn’t always found the pressures of the top division to be straightforward, as only one league goal came his way during his debut campaign on the South Coast.
He also suffered from a seven-game goalless streak earlier this season, with Semenyo perhaps falling to the wayside in Manchester, if a similar patch of form were to strike him down.
Moreover, while his versatility to line up as a right winger, left winger, or striker will be seen as a positive, it does also mean it’s not immediately fixed where the 32-time Ghana international would come into Guardiola’s side from the get-go.
Whereas, having also starred as a central midfield beast for England, when previously winning nine combined duels and tackles versus Latvia, Anderson would be confident of immediately coming into the heart of Guardiola’s midfield and making a difference, as the addition of the lively 23-year-old potentially pushes City to title glory.
Man City now favourites to sign £75m+ attacking star alongside Semenyo
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ByTom Cunningham