Manchester City news

As we head into Christmas, it's time to review the Premier League season so far. Each side has played 17 games out of 38 and we've got a good idea of who will be fighting for what this year. Arsenal boast a two-point lead at the top from Manchester City and a further one from Aston Villa, while Wolves already seem destined for relegation at a Derby-esque pace.

With the halfway stage of the season upon us, the time has come to shine a spotlight on the players who have made the biggest impact across Europe's major leagues. But first, let's run through the lay of the land.

Manchester United target Carlos Baleba has outlined his ambition to become the "best midfielder in the world" as he looks to lead Cameroon to glory at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Brighton and Hove Albion ace has named several stars who he is studying closely in his attempts to be regarded as one of the greatest players in his position.

Antoine Semenyo is good enough to play for either Real Madrid or Barcelona, at least that's according to the Bournemouth star's personal coach. The Ghanaian winger is in the midst of a transfer tug of war with a number of Premier League sides hoping to lure the Cherries ace away from the Vitality Stadium when the January transfer window opens next week.

The reasoning behind Manchester United's doomed pursuit of Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo has been revealed. Semenyo is a man in demand ahead of the January transfer window with a number of Premier League heavyweights courting the Cherries forward. United were among those keen on the Ghana star, who has scored eight league goals and provided three assists so far this season.

Erling Haaland has reunited with former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and the Manchester City striker suggested that the Manchester United legend has been giving him advice to continue his scoring form. The Norwegian's relentless pursuit of goals shows no sign of slowing, but even the most prolific striker of his generation is searching for marginal gains as Solskjaer is once again helping to fine-tune his instincts in front of goal.

As we reach Christmas and approach the midway point in the Premier League season, the time has come to reflect on the first half of a campaign that has delivered drama and unexpected twists in abundance. It's also the opportune moment to assess those players who completed a transfer to, or within, the English top-flight back in the summer, with a decent sample size of games now under their belts.

Manchester City have reportedly emerged as Antoine Semenyo's preferred choice ahead of the opening of the January transfer window after Chelsea dropped out of the race to land the Bournemouth star. The Blues have walked away from a potential deal just hours after making an initial enquiry, leaving Man City to battle it out with Liverpool and Manchester United for the attacker's signature.

Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland has sent a message to Mohamed Salah after seeing the Liverpool ace score a late winner for Egypt in their AFCON win over Zimbabwe. The Liverpool forward took to social media after the game and posed with fellow goalscorer and Haaland's Manchester City team-mate Omar Marmoush, bringing a swift response from the striker.

Chelsea have become the latest club to express interest in Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo. The forward is also being chased by Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City ahead of the opening of the January transfer window and is expected to leave in a transfer worth £65 million. The Blues have made an initial enquiry for Semenyo as the race for his signature hots up.

Maya Jama and Ruben Dias have decided to enjoy a Disney Christmas, with the Love Island presenter and her Manchester City star boyfriend enjoying a festive trip to Paris. A romantic break has allowed them to relax outside of professional commitments, with thrills being sought when heading to the French capital for some fun and frolics on roller coasters and hair-raising rides.

A former financial advisor at Manchester City has reacted to the latest “inexplicable” update in the Blues’ long-running Financial Fair Play (FFP) case. There are still at least 115 charges hanging over the Etihad Stadium, with no verdict being delivered as yet. The Premier League giants have revealed that they remain in the dark when it comes to a final ruling.

Pure excitement has been the theme of this Premier League season. Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are locked in a three-way title race while practically the rest of the division is competing for a European place. Indeed, the table is so crowded it feels more like the Championship than the top-flight, with back-to-back wins being all it takes to propel teams from 15th to the top five.