Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has said that Antoine Semenyo will play against Arsenal this weekend.
The Gunners are preparing for a trip to the South Coast to play against a talented, but out of form Bournemouth side on Saturday night. Mikel Arteta will have been hoping that he wouldn’t have to face Antoine Semenyo, who is in talks to join Manchester City.
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Semenyo looks almost set to join City, but it seems that he isn’t going to just yet, as the Bournemouth boss has confirmed that he will play against Arsenal, which is certainly a blow for the Gunners.
Iraola told Sky Sports News: “Antoine is going to play in this match. I hope he can be here for more time, but I don’t know what’s going to happen. 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, but I don’t know what’s going to happen.
Iraola’s comments suggest a deal with Man City is close, but not close enough as far as Arsenal are concerned, meaning they will have to prepare to face the tough Ghanaian winger at the weekend. He will likely come up against Jurrien Timber, which could be a fantastic battle to watch.
Do Arsenal have any absentees?
Ahead of the game, Arsenal could be without four players. Max Dowman and Riccardo Calafiori have both been ruled out due to injury, as they are dealing with an ankle injury and a knock respectively.
Cristhian Mosquera is also expected to miss the game, although he could potebtially feature if training on Friday is successful.
Apart from them, Declan Rice is a doubt, as he is dealing with a knee injury which kept him out against Aston Villa. Arteta said on Friday: “We have another session today. Let’s see how he comes through today and how he’s feeling, but it was too early that [Villa] game for him.”
Click here to see Arsenal’s latest transfer news heading into the January window.