Andoni Iraola has ruled out an immediate exit for Antoine Semenyo, insisting the Manchester City target will feature in Bournemouth’s upcoming match against Arsenal.
Andoni Iraola has confirmed that star winger Antoine Semenyo will remain at Bournemouth to face league leaders Arsenal on January 4, despite a nearing transfer to Manchester City.
While reports suggest City are ready to trigger the Ghanaian’s £65 million release clause, Iraola insists the 25-year-old still has a part to play at the Vitality Stadium.
Addressing the rumors, the manager stated: “I don’t know what is going to happen, but he will definitely play [vs Arsenal]. This is not his last game.”
The Cherries are desperate for a result after seeing their early-season momentum fade, currently enduring a ten-game winless streak in the Premier League.
Semenyo has been a rare bright spark for the 15th-placed side, contributing nine goals and three assists so far this term.
Highlighting the winger’s importance for the upcoming clash, Iraola added: “He needs to recover because we play Arsenal at home in another three days. Against (the team) top of the league, he will be an important player for us, yes.”
City are reportedly in the final stages of personal terms with Semenyo’s representatives, but Bournemouth hope to utilize him for both the Arsenal and Tottenham fixtures before the release clause window closes on January 10.
The player played the full 90 minutes in a recent 2-2 draw with Chelsea, fueling speculation about his immediate future.
However, Iraola’s stance remains firm on keeping his top scorer for the critical New Year schedule, noting: “When it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen.”