Semenyo transfer statement: Bournemouth announcement as Man City move looms

Bournemouth have made a surprise statement over the future of Antoine Semenyo ahead of his expected move to Manchester City in January.

Pep Guardiola’s side were expected to snap up the in-form Ghana international winger from the Cherries on 1 January, with Ben Jacobs indicating that the deal would be wrapped up on the opening day of the window.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola was directly asked about the deal by Sky Sports following the Premier League clash against Chelsea and gave a shock response.

Semenyo was pushed to the front of the team as they applauded the away fans as they celebrated a 2-2 away draw, prompting the Spaniard to be asked if this was an emotional farewell that would be the last time the 25-year-old would play for the club.

He said: “No, it’s no the last time he’ll play in a Bournemouth shirt.”

Iraola was then asked if the player would be available to feature against Arsenal at the weekend and replied: “Yes, yes.”

The Semenyo conspiracy theory

There is a theory that Semenyo’s move has been delayed by Manchester City, who want Bournemouth’s star player to be available for the club one last time as they go head-to-head with Arsenal.

The suggestion is that City feel that Bournemouth have a better chance of taking points against Arsenal, who are their direct rivals for the Premier League title, if they have the former Bristol City player in their squad. As such, the deal has been delayed, allowing him to play that game.

“Why wouldn’t you?” Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports. “He’s the best player at Bournemouth. Going there is certainly a lot easier without him in the team.

“Man City will be looking at that. Every point, every game matters. Who knows how important it might be?”

Semenyo is widely considered to have been one of the form players in the Premier League this season, having scored 9 times in 17 matches. He was, however, guilty of conceding a penalty against Chelsea, which would have been a disappointing way for his career on the south coast to finish.

It appears that he will have at least one more match in Bournemouth’s colours, and Man City are hoping it is a successful one.