Manchester City winger Oscar Bobb is increasingly likely to leave the Etihad Stadium if the club completes a deal for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, according to respected transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Bob is understood to be carefully assessing his future as the battle for minutes intensifies as City accelerate plans to strengthen their attacking options.
At 22 years old, Bob is at a critical stage in his career. The Norwegian international is highly regarded within City’s system but finds it difficult to earn regular starting minutes under manager Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola rates Bob highly, but the depth of City’s attacking line-up means his chances of making a lasting impact in the Premier League are limited.
Oscar Bobb struggles for playing time at Manchester City
The youngster has only made nine Premier League appearances for Manchester Giants this season.
The potential addition of Semenyo, a strong direct attacker who can operate beyond the front line, will further intensify competition in a wide range of areas.
City already boast a wealth of attacking talent and sources say Bobb will actively seek to leave if the path to a stable first-team spot becomes even more crowded.
Regular appearances are now a priority for players who want to accelerate their development and establish themselves at senior international level.
Interest in Bob is already growing across Europe. Borussia Dortmund believe he is a natural fit into their model of developing young attacking talent and have emerged as one of their most serious suitors.
Dortmund’s track record of developing creative wingers, coupled with Bob’s strong performance in youth competitions, makes the club an attractive destination.
Premier League interest in City winger
Closer to home, Crystal Palace are also interested. Palace see Bob as a player who can develop and take on greater responsibility in the Premier League, particularly in a system that encourages freedom in the final third.
A move to Selhurst Park would see Bob take on a more prominent role than he currently enjoys at City, while remaining in England.
Man City are willing to facilitate a transfer that benefits the player, especially if it involves a permanent transfer with clauses such as an option to buy or a sell rate.
Bob has many options and should he decide to move forward, there will be no shortage of offers.
Much of the future will depend on the progress of City manager Semenho and how Guardiola reorganizes his attacking rotation.
Chelsea and Man City aggressively target young players who will make waves in England
