Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has moved to calm speculation around Antoine Semenyo’s future by confirming the forward will feature in the club’s immediate Premier League fixtures, even as negotiations with Manchester City gather pace.
With talk of a high-profile transfer swirling, Iraola has stressed that no deal has been completed and that the Ghana international remains firmly part of his plans for the coming weeks.
Semenyo’s form has made him one of Bournemouth’s standout performers this season, attracting interest from Pep Guardiola’s side as the January window opens.
City are understood to be in advanced discussions with the south-coast club, but Iraola insists the situation remains unresolved.
As a result, Semenyo is expected to line up against Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, in a match being shown live on Sky Sports, and could yet play a role in shaping their Premier League campaign before any move materialises.
The timing is notable. Arsenal arrive on the south coast chasing points at the top of the table, while Manchester City—potentially Semenyo’s next destination—are among their closest rivals.
The prospect of the 25-year-old playing a part against the Gunners before possibly switching allegiances has only added to the intrigue surrounding his future.
Amid Antoine Semenyo’s future uncertainty, he is set for key home fixtures
Iraola confirmed on Friday that Semenyo would be involved against Arsenal, dismissing suggestions that the fixture might mark his farewell appearance for Bournemouth.
“Yes, Antoine is going to play in this match,” said the Spaniard, making clear that the forward remains available for selection.
The Bournemouth boss went further, indicating that the Arsenal clash may not even be Semenyo’s final outing at the Vitality Stadium.
With another home game against Tottenham scheduled for January 7, Iraola suggested the player could still be in his squad for both fixtures during a congested period in the calendar.
Asked directly whether Saturday would be Semenyo’s last appearance in a Bournemouth shirt, Iraola replied: “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.”
His comments underline the uncertainty that often accompanies January transfer windows, particularly when a player’s performances attract attention from the league’s elite.
Iraola acknowledged that circumstances can change quickly but emphasised that, as things stand, Bournemouth are planning with Semenyo in mind.
“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,” he added.
From Bournemouth’s perspective, the priority is straightforward: keep their best players available for as long as possible while preparing for all outcomes.
Semenyo has been central to Iraola’s attacking setup, providing pace, physicality and goals, and his presence against top-six opposition is seen as crucial.
‘Nothing is signed’ as transfer talk continues
Despite the mounting speculation, Iraola was keen to stress that no agreement has been reached with Manchester City.
While he accepts there are ongoing discussions and significant interest, the Bournemouth coach reiterated that Semenyo remains contracted to the club and committed to the cause.
“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 said.
Crucially, the head coach also praised Semenyo’s professionalism amid the speculation, suggesting the forward has not allowed the uncertainty to affect his performances or attitude in training.
“He’s playing very well. He’s doing the right things, a top professional and top guy. He wants to help the team and team-mates, I have no doubts that he will do his best, there are no doubts with him,” Iraola said.
Such assurances will be welcome to Bournemouth supporters, who may fear that transfer rumours could distract a key player at a pivotal point in the season. Instead, Iraola painted a picture of a focused and committed individual determined to deliver while he remains at the club.
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When asked whether Semenyo himself is pushing for a move, Iraola was non-committal, insisting that only the player could answer that question.
“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,” he said.
Despite the rumours surrounding Antoine Semenyo’s future, Bournemouth will only sanction a transfer on their own terms. The club are aware of the impact losing such a player could have, but they are equally realistic about the financial and sporting realities of the modern game.
“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,” Iraola admitted.
Iraola was emphatic that any exit would come with the club’s approval. “We are not going to lose him for nothing. If we lose him, it’s because the club agrees it’s a good deal.”
