"He will definitely play against Arsenal"- Bournemouth manager Iraola insists despite Semeneyo's imminent Man City move

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has rejected claims that star forward Antoine Semenyo has made his final appearance for the Cherries. 

Semenyo appeared to be waving fans of the club his final goodbye after Bournemouth's 2-2 draw with Chelsea on Thursday.

The 25-year-old has reportedly agreed to join Manchester City in the winter transfer window, with both clubs finalising the deal.

With the window officially opened on January 1, the Ghana international is expected to complete the move on Friday.

However, Iraola insists Semenyo remains available and he is expected to feature against Arsenal on Saturday before switching to City.

"No, not in any moment we thought he was not going to play," Iraola said after the match.

"I said it here, to your colleagues outside. It was not his last game with us.

"I don't know what is going to happen but he will definitely play [against Arsenal]. This is not his last game.

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

Semenyo's stock rose following an outstanding campaign last term before getting off to an electrifying start this season, where he has already netted nine Premier League goals.