Antoine Semenyo Arsenal plan confirmed as £65m transfer arranged

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• Antoine Semenyo

Antoine Semenyo has been the subject of transfer speculation in recent weeks, with the Bournemouth forward linked with a move to Manchester City

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola believes Antoine Semenyo will still be part of his squad for their match against Arsenal, despite persistent speculation linking the striker with a switch to Manchester City. The Ghana international's future has become a topic of speculation as the January transfer window fast approaches.

Reports have speculated that City are putting the finishing touches to a big-money swoop for Semenyo, with the forward possessing a £65million release clause that remains valid during the opening days of the January transfer window.

Several other top clubs have reportedly registered their interest in securing Semenyo's services, including Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea. Arsenal themselves are not currently planning to enter the fray for Semenyo, who would likely feature on their summer shortlist if he was to somehow stay put at the Vitality Stadium until the end of the season.

Nevertheless, City continue to be viewed as the frontrunners for the talented forward, who featured prominently for Bournemouth on Tuesday evening.

Arsenal will face Bournemouth on Saturday, which will be the first match of 2026 for the Gunners. Mikel Arteta and Co. finished the year with a 4-1 win over Aston Villa to move five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Semenyo delivered an impressive display for the Cherries during a 2-2 stalemate with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

The Cherries' next outing against Arsenal comes on January 3, after the transfer window opens. There are some reports suggesting Semenyo could complete a move to City as early as New Year's Day.

Despite the swirling rumours, Iraola remains confident that Semenyo will be available for their opening fixture of 2026 against Arsenal this weekend.

"It’s not his last game here with us," Iraola told Sky Sports. "I cannot say a hundred per cent but I think he will play [vs Arsenal].

"He has to recover, we’ve played two difficult games in three days. We have Arsenal at home, we get ready for another one, a demanding game against the leaders.

"Definitely he’s going to be an important player for us."

Semenyo has found the back of the net eight times for Bournemouth this campaign, with all of his goals coming in the Premier League. Whether the 25-year-old features in the Cherries' matchday squad against Arsenal this weekend, or if any potential transfer business happens beforehand, remains to be seen.