Image Credits: Imago Images
Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo is expected to leave the Vitality Stadium during the January transfer window with Manchester City reportedly considering activating the £65million release clause in his contract.
The 25-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season, scoring nine goals, including two against Liverpool at Anfield and is now being tipped for a move to one of the country’s top clubs.
Liverpool have shown little interest in challenging City for Semenyo’s signature so far, however, the Premier League champions are reportedly keen to strengthen their options in the final third.
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Semenyo will be available for their Premier League clash against Arsenal this weekend, despite the forward’s likely move to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
This raises the intriguing possibility of Semenyo playing a key role in disrupting Arsenal’s title bid before potentially joining City as a direct competitor for the trophy.
Iraola also indicated that Saturday’s match may not even be Semenyo’s last for Bournemouth, as the forward could also be available for their fixture against Tottenham on January 7.
“Yes, Antoine is going to play in this match,” said Iraola on Friday. Asked whether it will be his last match for Bournemouth: “No, no. 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. 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.
“He’s playing very well. He’s doing the right things, a top professional and top guy. He wants to help the team and team-mates, I have no doubts that he will do his best, there are no doubts with him.”
Asked if Semenyo wants to leave, Iraola added: “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. “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.”
Read more: Arne Slot breaks silence on Aaron Briggs exit
Ifeanyi Ndukwe to join Liverpool
Unai Emery offers fresh update on Harvey Elliott future
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.