Andoni Iraola, the head coach of Bournemouth, has clarified the immediate status of Antoine Semenyo amidst strong reports of a pending transfer. Following his team's match against Arsenal, Iraola stated he anticipates the forward will be in the lineup for their upcoming fixture against Tottenham Hotspur. He emphasized that while external rumors persist, the 25-year-old remains a contracted member of his squad.
Andoni Iraola, the head coach of Bournemouth, has clarified the immediate status of Antoine Semenyo amidst strong reports of a pending transfer. Following his team's match against Arsenal, Iraola stated he anticipates the forward will be in the lineup for their upcoming fixture against Tottenham Hotspur. He emphasized that while external rumors persist, the 25-year-old remains a contracted member of his squad.
Iraola expressed his focus is on elements within his control. "The situation hasn't changed," he commented to BBC Sport. "I expect him to play the next one. There is a lot of noise, I can't control that. Antoine is our player and until I am told he is not, he will continue playing." This follows a performance where Semenyo featured for the Cherries in their contest with Arsenal.
The Bournemouth manager also reflected on the recent loss, describing a recurring sense of disappointment. He noted his team performed well but often leaves matches with minimal reward. Regarding the Arsenal game specifically, he felt it was an even contest, with his side stronger in the first half but ultimately conceding three times from limited opportunities.
Iraola voiced particular frustration with the match officials. He disputed the award of a free-kick that led to Arsenal's third goal and was displeased with the decision to blow the final whistle while Semenyo was in possession of the ball. Despite the agreement in principle for a substantial move to Manchester City believed to be worth £65 million, Iraola's comments indicate the formalities are not yet complete, potentially delaying the transfer.
Manchester City's manager, Pep Guardiola, recently offered no insight when questioned about the potential acquisition. At the end of December, he stated he had no current information regarding the matter, carefully avoiding comment on the speculation. The proposed transfer has drawn attention from prominent figures within the sport.
Former Premier League star Alan Shearer has praised Semenyo's qualities and believes a transfer to a major club is warranted. Shearer highlighted the winger's strong early-season form and pointed out that interest from elite teams is a clear sign of his ability. He suggested that working under Guardiola at City would represent a significant and deserved step forward in the player's career, while acknowledging the challenge of securing regular playing time in a talented squad.
