Iraola insists Semenyo will face Arsenal despite Manchester City transfer talks
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has denied claims that this could be Antoine Semenyo’s last game
Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Antoine Semenyo will play against Arsenal on Saturday despite being heavily linked with a move to Manchester City.
Talks for the Cherries’ star attacker are reportedly at an advanced stage but Iraola stressed that no deal has been completed and insisted Semenyo remains fully committed to Bournemouth.
When asked whether it would be Semenyo’s final appearance for the club at yesterday’s press conference. Iraola replied: “No, no. That’s not the idea. The market is open, you never know what’s going to happen, but right now I don’t think so.”
The Bournemouth boss added that the Ghana international could also feature in next week’s home match against Tottenham, depending on developments in the transfer market.
“There is nothing signed,” Iraola said. “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.”
Semenyo has been one of Bournemouth’s standout performers, attracting interest from several top clubs after a string of impressive displays.
The Ghanaian has been directly involved in 41% of Bournemouth’s goals this season, scoring nine himself and setting up three.
Iraola praised both his professionalism and attitude amid the speculation: “He’s playing very well. He’s doing the right things and is a top professional and a top guy.
“He wants to help the team and his team-mates. I have no doubts that he will do his best.”
Craig Beazley from the podcast, Up The Cherries In All Departments, told us: “I absolutely love Antoine Semenyo but if there is some disharmony and it's bringing down the rest of the team, we need to let him go to make sure we can move forward.
“You've got to have a happy squad, you've got to have all the players focused on AFC Bournemouth, not focused on their next move.”
Iraola acknowledged the potential impact of losing such a key player but said the club would only sanction a move if it was in Bournemouth’s best interests.
He said: “If we lose Antoine, it’s going to be a massive hit. Obviously, he’s been a massive player for us But if we lose him, we are not going to lose him for nothing, it’s because the club agrees it’s a good deal.”
Craig Beazley told us he thinls the transfer is inevitable and urges the club to “reinvest the money wisely”.
He said: “£65 million is a snip for Semenyo, I'm gutted he's going, but what can you do?
“I'd give Amine Adli a chance, but maybe we need to look at somebody else. Maybe a promising young star or somebody who can make the step up.
“It’s a big window for us, but we've got to be sensible.”