Iraola optimistic Semenyo will return to Bournemouth despite Man City discussions
Manchester City is nearing an agreement to acquire Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth after opting to meet the forward’s £65m release clause, although Cherries head coach Andoni Iraola asserts that the Ghana international has not yet played his last game for the club.
Conversations between the two clubs have escalated in the last 48 hours, with discussions now centered on finalizing the remaining details before the January transfer window opens on Thursday.
City have resolved to activate Semenyo’s clause, and the player’s representatives were in Manchester on Monday to settle personal terms.
Talks persisted on Tuesday, with insiders indicating that a complete agreement is imminent. Semenyo, 25, has been eager for clarity regarding his future before the year changes, but Bournemouth is resolved to keep him for at least their next two matches.
The winger played the entire match in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw against Chelsea, and Iraola has expressed his expectation that he will participate once again, starting with Saturday’s clash versus Arsenal. “He is a huge player for us and he will remain with us,” Iraola told BBC Match of the Day. “This is definitely not the last match he has played for us.”
Andoni Iraola: “This one at Stamford Bridge was not Semenyo’s last game”.“I believe he will play against Arsenal, yes. He needs to recover since we are facing Arsenal at home in another three days, against the league leaders”. pic.twitter.com/yftkWPFuoO— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 31, 2025
Sources indicate that Bournemouth aims to have Semenyo ready for the Arsenal match and the following game against Tottenham on Wednesday, January 7, before the release clause in his contract expires on January 10.
While Liverpool continues to show interest, City currently leads the pursuit and is anticipated to finalize the transfer unless the Premier League champions intervene at the last moment.
Despite the focus of various clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham, City is the only team that has established formal communication with Bournemouth, putting them in a strong position to obtain Semenyo’s agreement.
Published: 2025-12-31 11:01:00
source: www.101greatgoals.com
