Arsenal to Offer £20m Plus Partey to Sign Ismael Bennacer From AC Milan

According to reports in Italy, Arsenal are looking to re-sign former youth player Ismael Bennacer from AC Milan. Mikel Arteta has been wanting to add another midfielder to his squad and the North London club are considering bringing the Algerian midfielder back to the Emirates in a player-plus-cash deal.

Ismael Bennacur spent two years with the Arsenal youth squads before moving to Serie A side Empoli in 2017. His excellent displays at Empoli earned him a move to AC Milan two years later and since then, the defensive midfielder has become a key member of the Rossoneri squad.

The Algerian midfielder has been influential for Stefano Pioli’s side, making 126 appearances since joining the Italian club in 2019 (stats via Transfermarkt). He was part of the pivot alongside Franck Kessie and Sandro Tonali in the 2021-22 season when AC Milan won the Scudetto title for the first time since 2011.

According to Calciomercato (via Football 365), Arsenal are seriously considering re-signing Ismael Bennacer from AC Milan. The Italian outlet reports that the Gunners are planning a player-plus-cash proposal to bring the 25-year-old midfielder back to the Emirates.

The report claims the Gunners are willing to offer Thomas Partey as part of the swap deal. The offer would be €20m plus the Ghanaian midfielder moving to San Siro. The deal would sum up to €55 million, although reports suggest that AC Milan won’t accept anything less than €60 million in cash, especially after losing Franck Kessie on a free transfer to FC Barcelona this summer.

https://twitter.com/afcjackvids/status/1601963364619542528

The Algerian is under contract at the Italian club until June 2024. The Rossoneri have been trying to extend the midfielder’s contract for some time now, but talks are progressing slowly. With the player entering the last year of his deal next summer, AC Milan could be tempted to sell Ismael Bennacer to Arsenal at a lower price.

Player Analysis

Ismael Bennacer made his professional debut for Arles-Avignon and was scouted by Arsene Wenger. He became a part of the Arsenal U21 and U23 teams but in 2017, he made a permanent move to Empoli to get more playing time and realise his potential. He even had a loan spell at the French side Tours. In his two seasons at Empoli, he was the most consistent player and missed only four games.

In the 2019 African Nations Cup, Bennacer was named the Player of the Tournament when Algeria went on to win their second title after 29 years. His amazing performances saw him get sold to AC Milan for £14 million. He immediately became a key member of the Rossoneri, functioning as a deep-lying midfielder.

ballon d’or 2023 il sera dans le top 30 In Shaa Allah vous avez ma parole @IsmaelBennacer 🤲🏽 pic.twitter.com/MpUZHy8LXr

— 🐊🇩🇿 (@ochoratpi) December 11, 2022

The Algerian international can retain possession under heavy pressure and break opponents’ press. He was the pivot in Milan and Empoli’s midfield. The defensive midfielder can build up the attacking phase by receiving balls in deep areas.

His body positioning and technical ability help him to burst through challenges and play a progressive pass to a forward player. The 25-year-old is a capable passer and is at his best when moving the ball with pace and purpose.

In the defensive phase, Bennacer is a tenacious ball-winner and is great at putting pressure on the opponent’s midfield by restricting options. He has made a great start to the ongoing campaign, contributing a goal and an assist in 15 Serie A appearances so far.

Verdict:

The Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has been looking to strengthen in central midfield despite their stellar summer window which saw five signings come in.

Youri Tielemans has been linked with a move to the Emirates, but Ismael Bennacer could be a better option for Arsenal owing to his press-resistance attribute, and the Algerian also boasts tremendous ability in tight spaces and in progressing the ball higher up the pitch.

Thomas Partey has established himself as an integral player for the North London side but he has been having injury troubles. It is difficult to see Arteta let go of Partey as part of the deal, especially since the Ghanaian midfielder has formed a brilliant partnership with Granit Xhaka.

Follow AD for the Latest Transfer Updates for Arsenal.