Andoni Iraola drops new Arsenal hint as Man City step up Antoine Semenyo chase
Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo appears to be on the verge of a January move to Manchester City but Cherries boss Andoni Iraola is not letting go of his star forward quite yet
Andoni Iraola expects Antoine Semenyo to still be a Bournemouth player by the weekend despite rumours of an imminent move to Manchester City. The Ghanaian looks set to leave the Vitality Stadium over the coming days, with City considering activating a £65million release clause written into his contract.
Talks between Semenyo’s representatives and City chiefs have taken place over recent days, with a five-year deal on offer. Despite that, he is still conducting his Bournemouth duties as usual.
The forward was included in the Bournemouth side to take on Chelsea on Tuesday evening, with boss Iraola suggesting that he would also be available for their upcoming clash against Arsenal.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Spanish coach said: “I think Antoine is performing very well. I expect him to be available also for the next game with us. And I hope he continues playing the same way.
“There is a lot of noise around him but my worry as coach is if he can keep the level of performance that he is having.”
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Iraola’s comments come just days after he underlined his desire to keep Semenyo at the club. Speaking ahead of the clash with Chelsea, he said: “I have a clear position on it and I don’t want to lose him. If it happens, we still have to continue competing – we have no other choice.
“[He is a] massive player for the club, [who] contributes goals and assists, gives the side energy and physicality, and is a very good character.”
Asked about Bournemouth’s plans should Semenyo depart, Iraola replied: “The club is working on things in case he leaves, but obviously it’s impossible to replace someone like him. It’s impossible, especially in the January market when nobody wants to lose good players.”
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Semenyo joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023. The 25-year-old has gone on to 107 appearances for the club in all competitions.
He enjoyed a standout season last term, netting 13 goals in the Premier League. He is already well on the way to surpassing that haul, having already bagged nine league goals this time around.
Bournemouth have already been linked with a host of potential replacements ahead of the January transfer window. Tottenham’s Brennan Johnson has emerged as a target, albeit Premier League rivals Crystal Palace have already agreed a £35m fee with Spurs. Leicester’s Abdul Fatawu is also reportedly admired.
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