AFC Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola is expecting Antoine Semenyo to play in the Cherries’ next two matches, despite media reports that the forward is close to leaving the club.
Semenyo, who has a reported £65million release clause, has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City during the January transfer window.
But Iraola has confirmed the Ghana international will face Arsenal on Saturday and that he is due to be available again when Tottenham Hotspur visit the Vitality Stadium next Wednesday.
“Yes, Antoine is going to play,” said the Bournemouth boss at Friday’s pre-match press conference.
“I think the idea, at least, is that he’s going to be available for these two home games that we have in a very short turnaround.
“I hope he can be here for more time, but I don’t know what is going to happen.”
Asked about the status of any potential move, Iraola replied: “There is nothing signed. There are conversations, and I understand a lot of the noise that is around, but there is nothing signed.
“Antoine is our player, and I hope… we want to keep him for a lot of time. But I don’t know what is going to happen.”
Although playing for Bournemouth carries a risk of injury that could jeopardise any potential move for Semenyo, Iraola is confident the player will continue to fight for the club that he joined from Bristol City three years ago.
“He is doing the right things,” said Iraola. “He’s a top professional, a top guy. He wants to help the team, he wants to help the teammates. I have no doubts that he will do his best.
“There is a lot of noise around him, and he is being a top professional. I’m sure he will be until the last day.”
Semenyo is Bournemouth’s leading scorer this season with nine goals, while only Man City forward Erling Haaland has more than his 12 goal involvements in the Premier League. But Iraola believes his side, who are on a 10-game winless run, can cope with Semenyo’s possible departure.
“He has been a massive player for us, and not only this season,” said Iraola. “But, everyone has to give their best. If we lose Antoine, definitely it is going to be a massive hit, but you have to move on. It is like this in football.
“We are not going to lose him for nothing. If we lose him, it’s because the club agrees it is a good deal for the club.”
