Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has conceded that losing Antoine Semenyo would deal a significant blow to his side, as talk of a surprise switch to Premier League champions Manchester City continues to gather momentum.
With speculation swirling around the Ghana international’s future, Iraola moved to calm immediate concerns by confirming that Semenyo remains available for selection ahead of Saturday’s daunting league encounter against Arsenal. According to the Spanish tactician, no transfer has been finalised despite the heavy rumours.
Addressing the media before the weekend clash, Iraola underlined Bournemouth’s current position amid the transfer storm.
“Antoine is our player,” the Spanish coach stated, emphasizing the club’s desire to retain the player’s services for “more time”. “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”.
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“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,” he concluded.
While Iraola’s words highlight Bournemouth’s determination to manage the situation carefully, they also acknowledge the harsh realities of the modern transfer market. Should the winger depart, it would only be after the club is satisfied with the terms on offer.
Semenyo, 25, has been one of the standout attacking forces in the Premier League this campaign, registering nine goals and three assists in just 18 appearances. His explosive performances have reportedly attracted the attention of Pep Guardiola, with suggestions that discussions between Manchester City and Bournemouth have already reached an advanced stage.
Andoni Iraola opens up on Semenyo’s uncertain Bournemouth future
For now, the Cherries continue to plan with Semenyo in mind, but the sense is growing that a defining decision may not be far away.
