What’s happening with Semenyo?published at 12:29 GMT
12:29 GMT
Bournemouth v Arsenal (Sat, 17:30 GMT)
Talking about players on the move…
BBC Sport reported last week that Manchester City’s move for Antoine Semenyo, who has a £65m release clause, is at an advanced stage following discussions between his representatives and the Etihad club.
But until a deal is signed, Semenyo’s future remains open.
As things stand, City are the only club to have made formal club-to-club contact with Bournemouth about Semenyo, although Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has close links to the south-coast club having worked at the Vitality Stadium.
Semenyo wants his future concluded as soon as possible – well in advance of 10 January, when the release clause mechanism in his contract elapses until the summer.
Sources have indicated that Bournemouth would prefer to keep Semenyo for their first two games of 2026 – against Arsenal on 3 January and Tottenham four days later – before sanctioning his departure.
As things stand, Semenyo looks set to be in the Cherries squad for the game against the Gunners, though reports today suggest the midweek game against Spurs looks less likely.
This subject will no doubt dominate Andoni Iraola’s news conference in the coming minutes.
Image source, Getty Images