Antoine Semenyo has revealed how close he came to joining Arsenal before a decisive phone conversation with Mikel Arteta completely altered the course of his future, ultimately pushing him toward Manchester City instead.
According to Semenyo, Arsenal were seriously in the picture and the move was progressing well. The winger admitted he was genuinely considering the switch to the Emirates and believed it could be the next big step in his career. However, everything changed after a direct conversation with Arteta.
During the phone call, Arteta reportedly explained his plans, expectations, and the role Semenyo would play in the squad. While respectful and honest, the message made Semenyo reassess his situation. He felt the pathway, guarantees, and long-term vision did not fully align with his personal ambitions at this stage of his career.
That conversation opened the door for Manchester City to step in decisively. Semenyo explained that City’s project, structure, and clarity around his development convinced him they were the better option. The opportunity to work within Pep Guardiola’s system and compete at the highest level on multiple fronts ultimately tipped the balance.
The revelation has sparked frustration among Arsenal supporters, with many believing the club missed out on a top-class talent who could have strengthened their attacking options. For Semenyo, however, the decision was about choosing the environment where he felt he could grow fastest and reach his full potential.
The transfer serves as another reminder of how pivotal behind-the-scenes conversations can be in modern football, where a single phone call can change everything.
