Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola says Antoine Semenyo will feature in the Premier League game against Arsenal live on Sky Sports, despite a move to Manchester City appearing to be looming.
City are in talks with Bournemouth for their star forward, but Iraola says he has “nothing signed” and could play against the Gunners at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
That means Semenho could play a damaging role in Arsenal’s Premier League title bid before leaving Bournemouth and then joining the Gunners’ direct rivals in the hunt for trophies at City, managed by Josep Guardiola.
Iraola also believes Saturday’s match against Arsenal may not be his last for the Cherries – he understands Semenyo could also play against Tottenham at the Vitality Stadium on January 7.
“Yes, Antoine will play in this game,” Iraola said on Friday.
Asked if this would be his last game for Bournemouth, he said: “No, no. I think the idea is that at least he can play these two home games in a short turnaround. I hope he can stay here for more time, but we don’t know what will happen.”
“That’s not the idea (of Semenyo’s last game). The market is open and we don’t know what will happen. I can’t control things, but I don’t think so at the moment.”
“I haven’t signed anything. Yes, there have been conversations and I understand the noise, but Antoine is our player. I want to keep him for a long time and I want to keep him for a long time. But you never know what will happen.”
“He’s playing very well. He’s doing the right things, he’s a top professional, he’s a top guy. He wants to help the team and his teammates. I believe he will do his best and I have no doubts about him.”
Saturday, January 3rd, 5pm
5:30pm kickoff
Asked if Semenyo wanted to leave, Iraola said: “I won’t know unless I ask him. I know what I want. Antoine is behaving really, really well. There’s a lot of noise around him, but he’s a top professional and I think he will be until his last day.”
“Obviously he’s a big player for us. Everyone has to give their best, not just this season. If we lose Antoine it will be a huge blow. We have to move on. That’s how football is.”
“We’re not going to lose him for free because the club has agreed that if we lose him it’s a good deal.”
Analysis: Will Semenyo cause Arsenal trouble again?
Nick Wright of Sky Sports:
Arsenal need no reminder of how dangerous Semenyo is. The forward featured in Bournemouth’s 2-0 win at the Vitality Stadium last October. His introduction at the Emirates Stadium in May sparked a 2-1 come-from-behind victory.
Bournemouth, and indeed Manchester City, will be hoping for another impactful performance on Saturday. Semenyo is expected to make his 100th and possibly final Premier League appearance for the Cherries ahead of his anticipated move to the Etihad Stadium.
He will be aiming to make even more progress after an impressive first half of the season, with nine goals and three assists in 18 Premier League games.
He has been an important part of Andoni Iraola’s team both as a scorer and a creator, ranking first in shots on goal and touches inside the box, as well as being successful in take-ons and passes into the box. His dribbling on the left side can even be tested by one-on-one specialists like Julian Timber.
And of course, Semenyo still poses a threat at arm’s length. His total of three goals from outside the box this season is tied for the most in the Premier League, underscoring his ability to create something out of nothing.
