Not Semenyo’s ‘last game’, says Iraola as Man City close in

Manchester City and Bournemouth are close to reaching an agreement to sign Antoine Semenyo for £65 million, but Andoni Iraola claims the forward has “definitely not” played his final game for the Cherries.

Talks over the past 48 hours aimed at settling the more complicated details of the deal have advanced the Etihad outfit’s move for the Ghana forward, 25, is in progress.

Semenyo’s representatives were in Manchester on Monday to finalize personal terms while City agreed to meet the player’s $65 million release clause.

Discussions continued on Tuesday, with sources reporting that the transfer window for January is now closed, with the deadline for Thursday’s opening.

Semenyo, who played the entire 90 minutes of Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea, has long hoped that his problems will be resolved by January 1.

Iraola is, however, adamant that the attacker will face Arsenal on Saturday, January 3.

The Bournemouth boss told BBC Match of the Day that “he is a massive player for us and he will continue to be with us.”

He said, “It is definitely not his last game for us.”

Before the release clause of his contract expires on January 10, the release mechanism has been revealed to BBC Sport Bournemouth, who wants him to play against Tottenham and the Gunners on Wednesday, January 7.

Liverpool is still interested in Semenyo, according to a report from BBC Sport on Sunday, but he will move to City unless the Premier League champions make a late bid.

Semenyo showed what Bournemouth will be without with his two long throws into the box that gave the visitors two goals despite conceding a penalty in the draw against Chelsea.

He waved his teammates goodbye to the away fans in what appeared to be a farewell match, with several of his team-mates also coming over to give him a hug.

Semenyo and Bournemouth’s team-mate David Brooks said his departure will be a significant loss for them as they have scored nine goals and contributed three assists this season.

The Wales international told BBC Match of the Day, “I’m not going to sit here and say he doesn’t leave a hole.”

He is our top scorer, and he has played for us very well the past few years.

Everyone in our team loves Ants, and we wish him the best of luck if he chooses to work for someone else.

Chris Sutton, a former Chelsea and Blackburn striker, stated on BBC Radio 5 Live: “After three and a half outstanding seasons as a Bournemouth player, Andoni Iraola has the question of how to replace him.” How are his numbers replaced?

“A fantastic player who will support the best wishes of Bournemouth fans.” He has been their top player.

Dion Dublin, a former Manchester United and Aston Villa striker, predicted that Semenyo’s departure would entail losing more than just one player to Bournemouth.

He continued, “As a manager, you can think to yourself, “Bring the Money In, I’ll Back myself as a Coach,” and I’m sure Iraola does.