Although Semenyo conceded a penalty in the draw at Chelsea, he showed what Bournemouth will be missing should he leave with his two long throws into the box leading to the visitors’ two goals.

At the end of the match, he applauded the away fans in what appeared to be a goodbye to them, with several of his team-mates also coming over to hug him.

Semenyo has scored nine goals and provided three assists for Bournemouth this season, and team-mate David Brooks said his departure will be a big loss.

“I’m not going to sit here and say he doesn’t leave a hole,” the Wales international told BBC Match of the Day.

“He’s our top scorer and he’s been a very, very good player for us over the past couple of years.

“Everyone loves Ants in our team and if he’s going to join someone else we wish him all the best, he’s earned it.”

Former Chelsea and Blackburn striker Chris Sutton added on BBC Radio 5 Live: “Three and a half outstanding seasons as a Bournemouth player – the issue Andoni Iraola’s got is how do you replace him? How do you replace his numbers?

“A phenomenal player who’ll go with the Bournemouth fans’ best wishes. He’s been a top player for them.”

Ex-Aston Villa and Manchester United striker Dion Dublin said Semenyo’s exit would feel like losing more than just one player for Bournemouth.

“As a manager you can think to yourself, ‘bring the money in, I back myself as a coach’, and I’m sure Iraola does,” he added.

“But Semenyo is such a big player that it is like losing two or three players.”