Bournemouth

Sami Mokbel and Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport

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Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola will leave the club this summer.

The Spaniard joined the club in 2023, replacing then head coach Gary O'Neil.

But his contract expires this summer and sources have told BBC Sport that talks over a new deal were unsuccessful.

Bournemouth had been determined to keep Iraola at the club but were unable to reach an agreement with the 43-year-old.

It means the Spaniard, one of the most highly-rated coaches in Europe, will leave the Cherries for free at the end of the campaign.

Sources close to the matter have told BBC Sport that Iraola has communicated to Bournemouth that he has not finalised his next move despite talk of a return to Spanish side Athletic Bilbao.

Iraola spent 12 years at the Basque club as a player, making over 400 appearances for the club.

His family's desire to return to Spain is understood to be among the factors Iraola has considered when coming to his decision.

• Let us know how you're feeling about Iraola's exit

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Tom Jordan
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

When Bournemouth brought in Alex Scott from Bristol City in 2023, it felt like it could be a real statement signing. It was clear that this wasn't just a talented youngster, but a player with the tools to develop into at the very least a well-established Premier League midfielder - and boy has he!

Before his move to the Cherries, Scott had already built a reputation as one of England's most exciting young midfielders, a player many that believed had a remarkably high ceiling from the off.

This season, in particular, has felt like a real turning point for Scott. After an injury-disrupted first year or so at the club, 2025-26 definitely feels like the campaign where he has truly arrived.

He has become a near ever-present in a competitive midfield area for the Cherries, playing over 2,000 league minutes and establishing himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Despite his age, Scott always plays with composure well beyond his years, showing an ability to receive the ball under pressure, glide past opponents and carry possession through midfield with purpose.

What has elevated him even further is how he's managing to influence games beyond just the raw numbers. While his return of goals and assists may remain somewhat modest, his overall performance level has been consistently high, with strong match ratings and underlying metrics that highlight his consistent contribution to the team.

Alex isn't just fitting into the Premier League but he's now shaping games within it and becoming one of the most impressive midfielders in the top flight. England and Thomas Tuchel may have lots of options to consider, but there is no doubt for me that Alex would add something to the current England group.

Keep a seat for him on the plane I say!

Find more from Tom Jordan at Back of the Net, external

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Andoni Iraola's future has dominated headlines for the last few months with no clarity from either Bournemouth or the man himself over whether he will renew his contract, which expires at the end of the season.

Speaking on the Cherries Unpicked podcast, former Bournemouth midfielder Joe Partington says he still has "hope" that Iraola will decide to stay at the Vitality Stadium beyond this season, despite not committing his future yet.

"The conversations would certainly have happened and if you were going to [sign a contract], by now surely you would have.

"I still hold out hope because he's not said he's not going to stay. It's not over until the fat lady sings, I suppose, and the Bournemouth fans will hold out hope because they've not had any news that it could still mean it's positive. I think in these situations, historically, no news is bad news."

When asked about the Bournemouth boss being linked to Premier League rivals, Partington said: "They're in direct competition with those clubs. The Fulhams, the Crystal Palaces, the Brightons, for example, are the clubs that are in that bracket that are hoping to achieve consistent European qualification in the Premier League.

"They find good players, they sell their players for more and Bournemouth are very much in that bracket. And they're very much, off the back of this result, in the conversation for a European place, which would be epic."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

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Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi is increasingly exploring his options for a move to a Premier League rival.

The 28-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning he has been permitted to speak to clubs in Europe about a potential free transfer since 1 January.

However, several European clubs, including reportedly Juventus, have shown serious interest without yet agreeing a pre-contract deal.

This has led to renewed openness from Senesi's camp to consider a move within the Premier League, with Chelsea, Manchester United and relegation-threatened Tottenham also linked.

Blues boss Liam Rosenior has also hinted at adding a more physical defender to his squad in the summer and it is understood that he isn't the right option for the world champions' requirements.

Sources at Bournemouth expect Senesi to leave on a free transfer, despite the club having made three contract offers in an attempt to keep him.

He remains a valuable member of head coach Andoni Iraola's side and started the 2-1 win at Arsenal on Saturday afternoon.

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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Arsenal and Bournemouth.

Here are some of your comments:

Arsenal fans

David: I'm afraid this is the norm from Arsenal. They never fail to disappoint and frustrate. I can't understand how a team can go from brilliant to pathetic in such a short time. I'm a lifelong Arsenal fan and I guess should be used to this by now.

Steve: Sadly, I feel it'll be another trophyless season for Arsenal. Our team don't look confident and look devoid of ideas. We've lost that cutting edge and even our set pieces seem fruitless now.

Mike: I'm a lifelong Arsenal fan. Yes we have injuries, but that is no excuse. The players out on the pitch are good enough to win any game. Now playing with so much fear we seem to have forgotten what got us to the top in the first place! Start playing like you want to win the game rather than playing like you are afraid to lose.

John: I was at the game. It was a tactical nightmare for Arteta. No balls through the middle and the wide men in space were left hopelessly waiting. Worrying times. But, there's still hope. We have the squad, but it all falls back on how Arteta can react. I'm not convinced.

Toby: Once again, capitulation, across the board. Being an Arsenal fan is to know heartbreak.

Bournemouth fans

Simon: Very strong performance, great to see Cherries playing after so long it seems and getting more than one point. Deserved win because the press was so dominant and effective. Tactically Arteta was outplayed by Iraola. Unbeaten run is incredible and furthered again. UP THE CHERRIES.

Bob: A three week break towards the end of season is a real bonus. Tough matches against top teams is a real drain on physical strength with a tired Arsenal performance against a fresh Cherries. Can we make it 13 unbeaten?

Nigel: This was no fluke, no hit and run. We were the better team and looked more dangerous going forward. Alex Scott was immense - again! Proud to be a Cherry!

Malcolm: What a solid team performance from the Cherries. A suberb winner from Alex Scott after some lovely play from David Brooks. Obviously the talk will be about how poor Arsenal were, but the truth is they didn't have the same passion and energy as a Bournemouth team on a 12-game unbeaten run. Proud to be a Cherries fan.

Sara Jane: Bournemouth were brilliant. Just praying our manager will stay.

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The Telegraph's Luke Edwards says Bournemouth were "absolutely spot on" in their impressive away win over league leaders Arsenal and the job head coach Andoni Iraola is doing is "truly remarkable".

The win at the Emirates Stadium saw the Cherries extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to 12 games (five wins, seven draws) - their longest ever in the competition.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily, Edwards said: "What Iraola has done, to lose your back four last summer and they also had a bad run this season, a really tough run and you're thinking Iraola hasn't signed a contract. He is going to be very much in demand in the summer because of the job he has done and it is a truly remarkable job.

"They were absolutely spot on. They played on the fear and anxiety of Arsenal because they got up into their faces really quickly. They closed them down. They didn't give them any respite. No easy passes. They kept the constant pressure on and that played on the vulnerability of Arsenal as well, mentally, I think.

"They have been brilliant for a number of years, a club that has punched above their weight for a number of years. I just wonder about the manager at the end of the season. There's going to be changes in the Premier League. He is going to be in demand because of the excellent work he's done."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Pundits Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Brentford 2-2 Everton

• Burnley 0-2 Brighton

• Liverpool 2-0 Fulham

Jordan Clark and former Bournemouth midfielder Joe Partington reflect on a huge win for the Cherries at Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Bournemouth content on BBC Sounds

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola told BBC Sport after Bournemouth's win over Arsenal: "We showed great personality to play in a big game and a big stadium. We've been at the level of the game. I'm very happy for the players."

On 22 days without a game: "You are worried you lose the intensity of the competition. We started really well. We recovered some players. Physically we sustained the level of the game. We finished strong. We were coming from a lot of draws in a row.

"Alex [Scott] has been like this for many months. He was amazing today. He's in such good form. I'm so happy for him. He's worked a lot to be at this level.

"Defensively apart from the penalty we defended those [set-piece] situations. We were quite brave. A complete performance.

"It's a matter of growing into the game. We had very good spells on the ball. We were finding good gaps in the middle."

On their European hopes: "It's difficult for us but it's true that we are not far. There are many teams in a good run without losing. Whoever gets the final two spots will finish in a big run of games."

You can hear more from Iraola and listen to Alex Scott's post-match interview on BBC Sounds

Did you know?

• Bournemouth extended their Premier League unbeaten run to 12 games (five wins, seven draws), their outright longest ever streak in the competition.

• Only Pep Guardiola (seven) and Jürgen Klopp (four) have recorded more wins against Mikel Arteta in the Premier League than Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola (three).

Alex Howell
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Bournemouth came into this match after three weeks without a game and looked much the fresher side as they took on a jaded Arsenal, whose efforts in knockout football look to have taken a toll.

The visitors are managed by the excellent Andoni Iraola and his ranks are packed with quality. They have not lost a game since 3 January, and it showed, even though Arsenal were the last side to get the better of them.

Ryan Christie kept the Cherries ticking over in midfield and it was his pass that opened up the Arsenal defence for the opening goal.

Bournemouth's full-backs, Alex Jimenez and Adrien Truffert, are full of running and provided the width and attacking threat for their side which Arsenal could not shut off throughout the game.

Victory moves Bournemouth up to ninth place, just four points off the Champions League positions.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Arsenal's performance

What did you make of Bournemouth's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Image source, BBC Sport

Myles Lewis-Skelly starts in place of Riccardo Calafiori, who is not in the Arsenal squad. There is also no Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka or Jurrien Timber for the Gunners. Eberechi Eze returns to the bench after injury.

Arsenal starting XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Zubimendi, Havertz, Martinelli, Madueke, Gyokeres

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, Hincapie, Jesus, Eze, Norgaard, Trossard, Dowman, Salmon

Andoni Iraola makes one change to the Bournemouth side that played against Manchester United in their last league game. Junior Kroupi comes in for Amine Adli.

Bournemouth starting XI: Petrovic, Jimenez, Senesi, Hill, Truffert, Christie, Scott, Tavernier, Kroupi, Rayan, Evanilson

Subs: Mandas, Adams, Brooks, Gannon-Doak, Smith, Diakite, Adli, Unal, Toth

Image source, BBC Sport

There are four games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Arsenal v Bournemouth (12:30)

• Brentford v Everton (15:00) - Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Burnley v Brighton (15:00) - Listen on Sports Extra 2

• Liverpool v Fulham (17:30) - Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times BST

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Brentford v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Liverpool v Fulham".

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

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Mexico right-back Julian Araujo has all but confirmed his season is over after picking up an injury on loan to Celtic from Bournemouth.

The 24-year-old had arrived at Celtic Park in January hoping more game time would force himself into his country's World Cup squad this summer.

He played 13 times for reigning champions sitting third in the Scottish Premiership, but interim manager Martin O'Neill revealed that he did not expect Araujo to return after he broke down during his attempt to recover from a thigh injury back at his parent club.

The player has since posted on Facebook: "I don't have all the answers right now, but I trust that everything happens for a reason and that God is guiding every step of this journey.

"I'm truly grateful to Celtic Football Club for welcoming me from day one and making Glasgow feel like home.

"Wearing this badge and experiencing the passion, history, and energy of this club is something I'll carry with me forever.

"To my teammates and coaches – thank you for everything we shared this season.

"I'll be behind you all the way and have no doubt in what this group can achieve.

"This isn't the way I imagined this season ending, but it's part of the story. I'll take this moment, grow through it and come back stronger than ever."

Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

Arsenal will aim to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to 12 points against a Bournemouth side unbeaten in their past 11 matches.

BBC Sport examines some of the key themes ahead of their meeting at Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta called for perspective before the quarter-final first-leg visit to Sporting on Tuesday night and the Gunners' mini-crisis was subsequently averted following a last-gasp 1-0 win.

Arteta's side had entered that contest following losses in the League Cup final and quarter-finals of the FA Cup in back-to-back matches, but a crucial midweek European win has softened the landing of a return to Premier League football, where their form has remained consistently good in recent weeks.

Arsenal resume domestic affairs knowing a win against Bournemouth will stretch their lead at the top of the table to 12 points, with Manchester City not travelling to Chelsea until Sunday.

A victory against the Cherries would also equal Arsenal's longest winning run this season of five Premier League fixtures, a feat they have achieved twice already in 2025-26.

Central to their success in recent matches has been teenager Max Dowman. The 16-year-old scored in Arsenal's last league outing against Everton to seal a 2-0 win, while his appearance as a second-half substitute against Sporting earlier this week when the game was still goalless demonstrated his increased trust to play in the biggest matches.

Dowman's midweek outing made him the second-youngest player to feature in a Champions League knockout match at the age of 16 years and 97 days, although visitors Bournemouth have a starlet of their own enjoying a standout season.

Junior Kroupi may be several years older than his Arsenal counterpart, but the 19-year-old's performances bely those of a teenager playing his first season of Premier League football.

Twelve of Kroupi's 26 Premier League appearances in this campaign have come off the bench as he vies with Evanilson for game time but the France Under-21 international has still scored nine league goals, including one in the 3-2 home defeat to Arsenal in January.

His most recent goal came from the penalty spot to earn the Cherries a 2-2 draw at Manchester United on 20 March and preserve their 11-game unbeaten run.

Should Kroupi score for the second time against the Gunners this season, he will become the first teenager to score 10 goals in his debut Premier League campaign since Robbie Keane for Coventry City in 1999-00 (12), and just the fourth overall.

As I was saying on this week's Monday Night Club, some of the stuff I heard criticising Arsenal after they lost two games in a row is over the top.

Yes, they were well beaten by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, but City are a good side and they can do that to teams. Then it was Arsenal's reserves who lost to Southampton in the FA Cup.

We saw a reaction from Mikel Arteta's side with their win over Sporting on Tuesday. It was a big goal from Kai Havertz to give them an advantage to take into next week's second leg, and I think we will see a similar performance here.

Bournemouth will give them a good game and they are in decent form too - they are on a run of five draws but they have not lost in 11 league matches since Arsenal beat them 3-2 on the south coast at the start of January.

Everyone is trying to put the pressure on Arsenal but I've looked at the games they have got left, including this one, and their record against all seven opponents earlier this season is strong - the only team they have to play who they haven't beaten already is City.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium (12:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Iraola confirmed Junior Kroupi and Alex Jimenez returned from the international break with niggles, but both are "fully recovered and ready to go".

• Justin Kluivert and Lewis Cook are the club's only "injured players" right now. Cook is "taking more time than expected" to return to action after suffering a setback, while Kluivert is rushing to come back before the World Cup, but he isn't ready yet.

• Julio Soler is in first-team training, but he isn't ready "to play a lot of minutes", however, Tyler Adams and Ben Gannon-Doak have used the time off to "put themselves back into contention", leaving his squad "in a good place" going into the final stretch of the season.

• He added: "I will have to make difficult decisions this weekend because there will probably be more than 20 players ready to travel."

• The three-week break has been "a strange one", however, it has given him a chance to work with the players returning from injury. He added: "We will see if we are ready. We should be fresh and definitely motivated, though, because we are facing Arsenal, away from home, in a big game."

• When asked about travelling to St Mary's Stadium to watch the Gunners in FA Cup action, he replied: "It's something I like to do. I used to do it a lot when I was living in Madrid. The feeling you get from watching a game in-person is different to watching on TV. It gave me more information."

• On whether now is a good moment to play Mikel Arteta's side, after their Carabao Cup final and FA Cup quarter-final defeats: "There's never a good moment to face them. They are always very difficult to beat. They changed their team a bit for those cup games, but recovered their starting XI for Sporting and took a massive win. I expect the best Arsenal."

• Bournemouth will need "something special" to beat the league leaders, so he called for his players to "be focused, be disciplined and make them earn everything" at Emirates Stadium.

• It is a "strange feeling" to have gone 11 Premier League games unbeaten, having drawn five of those games in a row, but it is still a chance to "break a club record". He added: "For us, it's the fact that things are so tight and one goal or two points can make a huge difference to the table."

• He has spoken to the club about his future now, but explained: "I'm sorry, I don't have any news for you. There has been no change on that side of things."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Got a question about Bournemouth? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

The Premier League's return this weekend brings trepidation for some and excitement for others.

Football's emotional rollercoaster becomes intense at this time of year, unless of course mid-table mediocrity has taken a grip of things in recent months.

So how are you feeling as a Bournemouth fan with just a handful of weeks left to go?

The league form reads: WDDDDD

The next three league fixtures are: Arsenal (a), Newcastle (a) and Leeds (h)

Let us know how you're feeling here