Antoine Semenyo’s Manchester City transfer on hold as Bournemouth receive huge boost | OneFootball

Manchester City fans may have to wait several more days before they finally get to see Antoine Semenyo in their famous Sky Blue shirt for the very first time.

While discussions between City and Bournemouth have been widely reported, the immediate focus has now shifted back to on-field matters, with the Ghana international fully involved in preparations with Andoni Iraola’s side amid growing indications that Bournemouth intend to maximise his availability while negotiations continue.

As outlined in previous reports, City’s interest in Semenyo has been driven by Pep Guardiola’s desire to add a powerful, versatile forward capable of operating across the front line, with the 25-year-old seen as a player entering his peak years and viewed as a ready-made Premier League option rather than a long-term development project.

From the player’s perspective, personal terms have not been expected to be an obstacle. A five-year contract has been discussed in some quarters, alongside a reported salary in the region of £150,000-per-week – reflecting City’s belief in Semenyo’s immediate contribution potential.

But now, as confirmed by Cherries boss Andoni Iraola, Antoine Semenyo will feature for the club in their home Premier League clash against Arsenal this weekend – despite an agreement seemingly in place with Manchester City over the player’s transfer.

Iraola was quizzed on whether the meeting with the Gunners will act as Semenyo’s final match for the South Coast club, to which he responded, “No, no. I think the idea at least is he’s going to be available in these two home games [against Arsenal and Tottenham].

“And I hope he can be here more time, but I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

The Bournemouth head coach also rejected the idea that a deal had been entirely agreed with their counter-parts at the Etihad Stadium, as he explained on recent reports, “There’s nothing signed. There’s nothing signed.

“For sure, there are conversations. I understand a lot of the noise around, but there’s nothing signed. Antoine is our player, and – as I’ve said a lot – I want to keep him for a lot of time, but I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Looking ahead, Manchester City are expected to remain patient rather than force a premature conclusion to negotiations, particularly with Bournemouth keen to retain leverage for as long as possible.

The coming days are likely to centre on formalising paperwork, clarifying the precise timing of any move, and ensuring all contractual mechanisms – including bonus structures and release clause payment terms – are finalised.

While Semenyo is expected to feature against both Arsenal and Tottenham, as suggested by his current manager, confidence remains that the deal is progressing in the right direction, with the Etihad Stadium still viewed as the most likely destination this month.