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Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has expressed concerns that Manchester City’s potential £105 million double signing of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi could prove decisive in the Premier League title race, despite Arsenal currently holding a five-point lead at the top of the table.
Alan Smith Warns Arsenal Over City’s Potential £105m Semenyo and Guehi Signings
The Sky Sports pundit, who scored 115 goals during his Arsenal career, fears City could gain a crucial advantage if they complete early January transfers while Arsenal fail to strengthen their squad. Smith’s concerns center on Bournemouth forward Semenyo and Crystal Palace captain Guehi, both of whom are reportedly targets for Pep Guardiola’s side during the current transfer window.
City have reportedly agreed a £65 million deal in principle for Semenyo, subject to medical checks, with the 26-year-old forward scoring in what is considered his final game for Bournemouth against Tottenham on Wednesday evening. The Ghana international had previously been linked with a move to Arsenal, but City appear to have moved decisively to secure his signature ahead of their title rivals.
The Manchester club are also reportedly interested in Palace defender Guehi, with a £40 million asking price mentioned for the England international. City’s defensive needs have become more pressing following Josko Gvardiol’s tibial fracture during their 1-1 draw with Chelsea, while Ruben Dias also remains sidelined through injury.
Speaking on In The Mixer, Smith expressed his fears about City’s transfer activity. “I’m a bit worried about City and Semenyo, and if they get Guehi. I don’t like that at all,” Smith said. “Because as City are at the moment, I think Arsenal are better in terms of the squad. But listen, if City are breathing down their necks with four or five games to go, how are Arsenal going to handle it? That is the question.”
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Guehi’s future, with the defender’s contract expiring in the summer. “If the player says, ‘I want to leave,’ and the money is above the threshold, it will happen,” Glasner admitted. “I’m not so naive not to know that if a massive offer comes from City and Marc wants to do it, it will happen.”
