Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola wants Antoine Semenyo to stay despite strong Premier League interest, including Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool, and a £65m release clause.
Andoni Iraola has made it clear he does not want to lose Antoine Semenyo amid growing Premier League interest. The Bournemouth head coach admitted there is significant transfer noise around the forward but he wants the forward to remain at the Vitality Stadium. The Spaniard stressed that Semenyo remains fully committed to the club.
Iraola confirmed the 25-year-old trained well this week and continues to perform at a high level. The manager said his main concern is protecting the player’s focus. So far, that focus has not wavered and there are no signs of distraction in his performances.
Semenyo has been one of Bournemouth’s standout performers this season. He has scored eight Premier League goals in 16 appearances. He has also provided three assists.
Only Erling Haaland and Igor Thiago have scored more league goals this campaign. Semenyo’s consistency has made him one of the most effective attackers in the division. His form has driven Bournemouth’s attacking threat.
Several top clubs are monitoring Semenyo closely. He signed a new contract last summer that includes a £65 million release clause. That clause is active during the first ten days of the January window. It has accelerated interest from across the league.
Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham have all been linked. City are believed to be pushing hardest at this stage. Bournemouth accept the situation is largely out of their control. If unused, it reactivates in the summer at a slightly lower fee.
Iraola has repeatedly praised Semenyo’s attitude during the speculation. He believes the attacker’s performances have not dipped at any point, highlighting his strong mentality. Even in matches without goals, his impact remains strong.
The Bournemouth boss stressed that Semenyo offers more than numbers. His pressing, movement and physical presence are key to the system as it stretches defences and creates spaces for teammates. Iraola described him as a massive player for the team whose pressing fits perfectly within Iraola’s system. Teammates have echoed that sentiment publicly, saying they see him as a leader in the attacking line.
Semenyo has scored in Bournemouth’s last two league matches. His direct running has unsettled defences throughout the season. He has been involved in 20 Premier League goals during the 2025 calendar year. That total of 14 goals and six assists matches a club record previously set by Dominic Solanke in 2023. Bournemouth have lost only two league matches in which Semenyo has scored since 2023. His influence often proves decisive and his consistency has been vital even when not scoring.
Bournemouth are currently navigating a demanding period in the season. Iraola is keen to maintain squad stability as long as possible. Losing Semenyo mid-season would be a significant blow.
The club structured the release clause to allow time for planning. Should Semenyo stay beyond January, the clause drops in the summer. That provides some flexibility for all parties.
Bournemouth face Brentford next in the Premier League on December 27thbefore closing the year against Chelsea on December 30th. Semenyo is expected to feature in both fixtures despite the transfer noise. Each match increases the spotlight on his future ahead of the January transfer window.
Iraola remains hopeful the winger stays through the winter window. However, he accepts the final decision may not be his, insisting his priority is the pitch, not the market. For now, Bournemouth continue to build around one of the league’s most in form attackers.
