Iraola adamant in saying that this was not Semenyo’s last game for Bournemouth as Man City continue to circle.
Not Semenyo’s ‘last game’, says Iraola as Man City close in.
Andoni Iraola maintains that Antoine Semenyo has “definitely not” played his final game for the Cherries, despite the fact that Manchester City and Bournemouth are nearing an agreement to purchase Semenyo for £65 million.
The 25-year-old Ghanaian forward is a target for City, and negotiations over the last 48 hours have focused on finalising the specifics.
Semenyo’s representatives were in Manchester on Monday to finalise personal conditions, and they have agreed to fulfil Semenyo’s £65 million release clause.
The January transfer window is scheduled to begin on Thursday, and discussions continued on Tuesday, suggesting that a complete agreement is now close.
Semenyo has been eager for his destiny to be decided by January 1st. He played the entire ninety minutes of Tuesday’s 2-2 tie with Chelsea.
However, Iraola is adamant the attacker will play against Arsenal on Saturday, 3 January.
“He is a massive player for us and he will still be with us,” the Bournemouth boss told BBC Match of the Day.
“It is not the last game he has played for us, definitely not.”
Despite giving up a penalty in the draw against Chelsea, Semenyo’s two long throws into the area that resulted in the visitors’ two goals demonstrated what Bournemouth will be missing if he departs.
He seemed to bid farewell to the away supporters by applauding them at the conclusion of the game, and several of his teammates also came over to give him hugs.
Semenyo has contributed three assists and nine goals for Bournemouth this season. According to teammate David Brooks, Semenyo’s departure will be a significant loss.
“I’m not going to sit here and say he doesn’t leave a hole,” the Wales international told BBC Match of the Day.
“He’s our top scorer and he’s been a very, very good player for us over the past couple of years.
“Everyone loves Ants in our team and if he’s going to join someone else we wish him all the best, he’s earned it.”