Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo admitted he’s an Arsenal fan ahead of Saturday’s game between the two sides.
24-year-old Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo started against Arsenal on Saturday, playing the full 90 minutes for the hosts. But ahead of the game, the player admitted he’s actually a fan of the opposition.
Speaking to The Athletic, Semenyo revealed his allegiance before insisting he wouldn’t let it negatively affect his performance.
“I am an Arsenal fan,” Semenyo said. “I don’t conflict the two with my job.
“It is great to play against Arsenal, a team I have watched all my life and I want to play for the top clubs as well. In order for that to happen I need to prove it.”
The Athletic highlight that Semenyo has been linked with Arsenal recently, along with other Premier League clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and Liverpool.
The player has 12 goals and three assists in 52 games since joining the Premier League, averaging a goal contribution every 204 minutes. For a relatively underwhelming Bournemouth side, that’s not bad going.
Semenyo wasn’t quite on top form against Arsenal, missing a big chance for a goal against his boyhood club. But Bournemouth won’t mind, as they ran out 2-0 winners against the Gunners’ 10 men.
If Semenyo wants to make a good impression on his suitors ahead of the January window, he’ll have a few more chances in the coming weeks.
Bournemouth face Aston Villa on Saturday, October 26th, then Manchester City on Saturday, November 2nd, and they have games against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in December, among others.