Arsenal are reportedly considering a sensational move to bring AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer back to the Emirates Stadium.
The Algeria international joined the Gunners' academy system in 2015 as a 17-year-old, before graduating in the following season.
He then spent the second half of the 2016/17 season at loan on Ligue 2 side Tours, before joining Serie B outfit Empoli the following summer. He made just one senior appearance for Arsenal, in the League Cup.
Promotion to Serie A was achieved in 2017/18, with Bennacer then shining for the club in the top division despite eventual relegation.
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His performances caught the eye of AC Milan, who signed him in the summer of 2019. Bennacer quickly established himself in the Milan starting XI, and is now first choice in midfield alongside Sandro Tonali.
Primarily a defensive midfielder, the Algerian's strengths are his defensive abilities, passing range and ball progression.
He has also improved his discipline, having received 14 yellow cards in his first full season at Milan. He has picked up just two in Serie A this term.
Now, his former club reportedly want to re-sign him.
Arsenal keen on Bennacer
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Arsenal are preparing a 'super offer' in an attempt to sign Bennacer in January, whilst Tuttomercatoweb say Liverpool are also keen on the player.
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It is said that the offer would involve a fee of €20 million plus Gunners midfielder Thomas Partey moving to Milan in exchange.
However, the same outlet claims that the technical director of the Italian giants, Paolo Maldini has said that Milan will not accept anything less than €60 million in cash for the player.
It is also worth noting Bennacer's contract situation, with the 24-year-old's current deal due to expire in the summer of 2024.
Much like team-mate Rafael Leao, Calciomercato report that Stefano Pioli's side are in talks over a renewal, but there is uncertainty over whether the midfielder will stay at the club.
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Given Bennacer's past links to the Gunners, who currently sit top of the Premier League table, the Algerian may decide to move back to England in the near future, with the January transfer window looming.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Arsenal, Premier League, Transfers, AC Milan