Senesi to leave Bournemouth at end of season

Argentina defender Marcos Senesi will leave Bournemouth when his contract expires in the summer.

The 29-year-old centre-back will become a free agent after spending four years with the Cherries, who are currently sixth in the Premier League.

Senesi has been free to speak to European clubs about a free transfer since 1 January and is also exploring options to stay in England's top flight.

Bournemouth did offer the defender a new contract, but he will leave Vitality Stadium at the end of the season, as will manager Andoni Iraola.

"I'm proud of everything we achieved over the last four years," Senesi said. "I will look back at my time here with fond memories.

"For now, there are still two big games left of the season and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together."

Sixth would be Bournemouth's highest Premier League finish - and they need two more points to achieve a record points tally.

The Cherries are also on course for European qualification - with the Europa League or Conference League most likely - but still have hopes of reaching the Champions League.

'Senesi's stock has never been higher' - analysis

It remains unclear where Senesi will go and, although he is known to have spoken to multiple clubs, he is choosing his next move carefully.

Sources at Chelsea have played down any suggestion they will make a move for him this summer, with Tottenham, Barcelona and Juventus also linked.

However, Senesi has just turned 29 and this could be the last - and perhaps only - major contract of his career.

His demands for substantial personal terms saw him leave Bournemouth after three offers, and they will be key for any club looking to sign him - potentially saving on a transfer fee but having to offer a competitive salary.

That will be central to any deal for Senesi, whose stock has never been higher after making only his second and third appearances for Argentina during this campaign.