Iraola insists Antoine Semenyo will face Arsenal despite reported imminent Man City move

Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has insisted that Antoine Semenyo will feature in Saturday’s Premier League clash against Arsenal, dismissing suggestions that an imminent move to Manchester City could rule the forward out of the fixture.

With speculation intensifying around Semenyo’s future, Iraola made it clear that, for now, the Ghana international remains firmly part of his plans.

City are understood to be in advanced negotiations with Bournemouth over the in-form attacker, but Iraola stressed that no agreement has been finalised, leaving Semenyo available for selection when the Cherries host Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium.

The 25-year-old’s inclusion could prove significant, with Arsenal chasing the title and Semenyo potentially poised to impact their campaign before any prospective switch to Pep Guardiola’s side.

“Yes, Antoine is going to play in this match,” Iraola confirmed on Friday, addressing doubts surrounding the player’s availability.

He also played down suggestions that the Arsenal encounter would mark Semenyo’s farewell appearance for the club.

“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.”

Iraola reiterated that the transfer situation remains fluid, insisting there has been no formal conclusion.

“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,” he said. “There is nothing signed. For sure there are conversations, I understand the noise around but Antoine is our player.”

Semenyo heads into the Arsenal match in outstanding form, with nine goals and three assists in 18 Premier League appearances this season.

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