Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Man City transfer target Antoine Semenyo is in contention to face Arsenal this weekend.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the match on Saturday evening, Iraola said:
“Yes, Antoine is going to play in this match… No, no [it isn’t his last game]. 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.
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“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. 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.”
With reports suggesting that Semenyo is close to sealing a £65m move to City, fans on X are somewhat surprised by Iraola’s comments, with some worried that the player could pick up an injury:
Guys this is annoying. Don’t want him getting injured against those thugs
— Tap-in Merchant (@haalandvisions) January 2, 2026
If stuff is agreed upon why is he still playing for them?? What if he gets a serious injury now
— ᴛʜᴏᴍᴀs (@kormzeee) January 2, 2026
Bruh i dont want to see him get injury…
— ItsBlue56 (@Finna009) January 2, 2026
Please semenyo defeat arsenal please.
— Bernardinho silva (@Directioner720e) January 2, 2026
What a joke
— 🗿 (@jhonte_) January 2, 2026
It's good, hope Arsenal lose or draw
— MixMCI (@MixMCI) January 2, 2026
Man City don’t have long to seal the move
It is believed that Semenyo’s release clause will only be active until January 10th. If the Ghanaian international does play against Arsenal and Tottenham, as Iraola suggests, then the Cityzens will only have a few days to complete a medical and sign documents.
From the outside looking in, it does seem as if Iraola is digging his heels in, and he’s very reluctant to let the player go.
Could the Semenyo deal be hijacked?
With every passing day that the move is delayed, there is always a chance that another team could swoop in, but the player is thought to be prioritising a transfer to City.
For now, supporters will have to stay patient until the deal can be finalised near the end of next week.
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