Antoine Semenyo transfer delayed as Andoni Iraola makes 'definite' decision before window opens

Liverpool was among the Premier League clubs thought to be considering Antoine Semenyo, with the player seemingly set to sign for Man City — but perhaps not just yet

Antoine Semenyo is expected to leave Bournemouth in the next week or so.(Image: Charlotte Wilson/Offside via Getty Images)

Manchester City is expected to wrap up a move for the Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, but Andoni Iraola intriguingly says the winger hasn't played his last game for the Cherries.

Instead, while Bournemouth knows that Semenyo is likely to leave, with his $88 million (£65 million) release clause preventing the Cherries from doing much, they want to keep him for the next two fixtures. The clause remains in place until January 10, by which time they will have played home games against Arsenal and Tottenham.

"I don't know what is going to happen, but he will definitely play [vs Arsenal]," Iraola said after his side's 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. "This is not his last game.

"He needs to recover because we play Arsenal at home in another three days. Against (the team) top of the league, he will be an important player for us, yes."

Earlier, Iraola had said something similar to BBC Match of the Day. "He is a massive player for us and he will still be with us," the Bournemouth boss explained. "It is not the last game he has played for us. Definitely not."

Liverpool, Manchester United, Spurs, Chelsea and Arsenal were also linked with Semenyo in the last few weeks. Manchester City, though, appears to have won the race.

Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth(Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)

Although Semenyo conceded a penalty against Chelsea following a VAR review of a trip, he showed what Bournemouth will be missing should he depart.

Semenyo's two long throws into the box led to the Cherries' goals on the night. That is why Iraola is so keen to have him around for the next two games.

At the end of the match, Semenyo applauded the away fans in what could have been viewed as a goodbye to them, with several of his teammates also coming over to hug him.

The 25-year-old has scored nine goals and provided three assists for Bournemouth this season, which is by far his most prolific level of output so far in his career.

"I'm not going to sit here and say he doesn't leave a hole," Bournemouth teammate David Brooks told the BBC at the final whistle.

"He's our top scorer and he's been a very, very good player for us over the past couple of years. Everyone loves Ants in our team and if he's going to join someone else we wish him all the best. He's earned it."

Liverpool.com says: Semenyo is a good player, clearly. In terms of his output, though, it will need to continue for the remainder of the season and then continue into the next for him to prove value for money. Even with better players around him, that is not certain to happen.