Bournemouth boss Iraola desperate to keep Semenyo as Chelsea join Liverpool and Man United in race for Ghanaian

Andoni Iraola is desperately hoping Bournemouth can keep hold of in-demand winger Antoine Semenyo but admits the situation is out of the club’s hands.

Semenyo is a reported target for most of the Premier League’s big guns, with Chelsea joining the scramble alongside the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United.

The Ghana international has a release clause of £65million that expires on January 10 and is likely to be an early mover in the upcoming transfer window.

Asked about Semenyo today ahead of Bournemouth’s clash with Brentford on Saturday, Iraola said: “Semenyo right now is with us. He trained today with us. I know that there is lots of noise around him. Not my concern, my concern is it doesn’t affect his performances. It is not doing, he is very committed to the team and I hope we can keep him here.

“The situation we cannot control, but Antoine right now is our player. Going to continue playing for us. If you ask me, I don’t want to lose him, definitely don’t. But every time the market opens, you never know what is going to happen.”

Semenyo still performing despite transfer talk

Semenyo has been the subject of transfer speculation for some time but it has not affected his recent displays.

“Antoine, for me, has been performing very well. Not just the last two games where he has scored,” added Iraola.

“He has consistently been very good since the beginning [of the season]. Even when not scoring, he is still valuable for us. At the end, we don’t just demand numbers. It is no secret he is a massive player for us.”

Bournemouth go into the weekend game at the Gtech Community Stadium in 15th place, albeit nine points above the relegation zone, after a winless run that stretches back to October 26.