Arsenal to face Semenyo despite City plans

Antoine Semenyo will face Arsenal on Saturday despite ongoing transfer talks with Manchester City, with Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola confirming the forward remains available amid continued speculation.

Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Semenyo’s involvement comes as City pursue the 25-year-old Ghana international, with reports indicating they are prepared to meet his £65m release clause this month.

City sit second in the Premier League, four points behind Arsenal, and the timing of the talks has prompted speculation around whether the champions would actually prefer Semenyo to feature against the league leaders.

Iraola said there has been no formal agreement and insisted Semenyo remains Bournemouth’s player, with the expectation he will also be available for the visit of Tottenham Hotspur later in the week.

“Yes, Antoine is going to play in this match [against Arsenal],” Iraola said.

“The idea at least that he’s going to be available in these two home games in a short turnaround. I hope he can be here for more time. But I don’t know what’s going to happen.

“There is nothing signed. There are conversations, I understand the noise around but Antoine is our player. I hope to keep him for a long time, but I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Semenyo has been Bournemouth’s standout performer this season with eight goals and three assists and is expected to start at the Vitality Stadium against Arsenal on Saturday, who know a win would further strengthen their position at the top of the table before City play manager-less Chelsea on Sunday.

Bournemouth could also welcome back Lewis Cook as he recovers from a neck injury that ruled him out of the game against Chelsea. Ryan Christie, however, is still struggling with a knee injury.

“With Ryan it is more difficult,” Iraola said. “Ryan still has some issues with his knee and he is definitely not going to be available.

“With Lewis, we are still waiting. It’s his neck and the pain that he feels. He will try to train today and we will see. Hopefully he will be available for tomorrow.”

The Cherries will also be without Ben Gannon-Doak (hamstring), Veljko Milosavljevic (knee), and Matai Akinmboni (muscular), while there are also doubts over Tyler Adams (knee).