Pep Guardiola has intentionally sidestepped questions about Manchester City’s reported interest in Antoine Semenyo ahead of the January transfer window.
The Bournemouth forward is said to be moving closer to a big-money switch to the Etihad, with City reportedly prepared to activate the £65 million ($87m) release clause in his contract.
Sources at ESPN indicate that discussions between the clubs and the player’s representatives are ongoing, but Guardiola refused to be drawn into the topic during his press conference on Wednesday.
“I honestly don’t know anything about that,” the City manager said.
“I have no updates at all. As far as I’m concerned, it’s as if the transfer window doesn’t even exist right now.”
Should Semenyo arrive, his signing could lead to movement elsewhere in the squad, with Oscar Bobb potentially leaving to make room.
Borussia Dortmund have been mentioned as possible suitors for the injured Norwegian winger, but Guardiola again avoided commenting when asked about Bobb’s future.
“You should ask Oscar that question, not me,” he replied.
City travel to Sunderland on Thursday, looking to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal after their convincing 4–0 win over Aston Villa on Tuesday night.
When it was suggested that the title race may now be a two-horse contest, Guardiola dismissed the idea, saying it was far too early for such claims.
“The story changes every week,” he said. “Not long ago people said Arsenal had already won it, then it became a three-team fight, and now suddenly it’s being framed as a one-sided race. We just have to stay calm and let the season develop.”
