Andoni Iraola confirms Antoine Semenyo set to face Arsenal in Bournemouth clash

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has confirmed that winger Antoine Semenyo will be available to play against Arsenal despite the player edging closer to a move away to Manchester City in January.

The Bournemouth star, Semenyo, has been linked with a move to Man City, and is expected to make a big move to the Etihad Stadium in early January, with Pep Guardiola’s side having had talks to trigger his £65 million release clause available by January 10.

The Ghanaian international is expected to feature for Bournemouth against City’s title rivals Arsenal on Saturday, and could face Spurs on January 7 – perhaps his last game for the Cherries.

The 25-year-old has been one of the best forwards in the Premier League in the last two seasons. Attracting suitors such as Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and City, but the Bournemouth star has reportedly picked City over Man United, who were also keen for his signature.

Man City are in advanced talks with Bournemouth over their star forward – but Iraola has said “nothing is signed”, so he is available to face the Gunners over the weekend.

Meaning, Semenyo could deal a blow to Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes in his final Bournemouth appearance—before potentially joining their direct rivals Man City under Guardiola.

Iraola also believes Saturday’s game with Arsenal may not even be his last for the Cherries – as he understands Semenyo will also be available to face Tottenham at the Vitality Stadium on January 7.

“Yes, Antoine is going to play in this match,” said Iraola on Friday.

Asked if it will be his last match for Bournemouth: “No, no. I think the idea at least that he’s going to be available in these two home games in a short turnaround. I hope he can be here for more time. But I don’t know what’s going to be happen.

“That’s not the idea [that it’s Semenyo’s last match]. The market is open, you never know what’s going to happen. I cannot control things, but right now I don’t think so.

“There is nothing signed. For sure there are conversations, I understand the noise around but Antoine is our player. I hope to keep him for a lot of time, I want to keep him for a lot of time. But I don’t know what’s going to happen.

“He’s playing very well. He’s doing the right things, a top professional and top guy. He wants to help the team and teammates, I have no doubts that he will do his best, there are no doubts with him.”

Asked if Semenyo wants to leave, Iraola replied: “You have to ask him, I don’t know. I know what I want. Antoine is behaving really, really well.

“There is a lot of noise around him, he’s been a top professional. I think he will be until the last day.

“Obviously he’s been a massive player for us. Not only this season, but everyone has to give their best. If we lose Antoine, it’s going to be a massive hit. You have to move on. Football is like this.

“We are not going to lose him for nothing. If we lose him, it’s because the club agrees it’s a good deal.”