‘In the next hours’: Fabrizio Romano shares update that could lead to bad news for Arsenal – Done deal underway
Arsenal have been linked with AC Milan Star Ismael Bennacer in recent weeks.
A report from CMW claimed that the Gunners have been plotting a cash-plus-player deal for the Algeria international.
Meanwhile, Algerie Football Media‘s Twitter account claimed that Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are eyeing Bennacer.
However, it looks as though the Gunners – and those other suitors – may be about to miss out on the 25-year-old.
Earlier this week, Alfredo Pedulla reported that Milan want to open contract talks with Bennacer very soon.
The player’s contract runs until 2024, hence the reported interest from clubs.
Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, things are speeding up further.
The transfer insider has written on Twitter that Bennacer’s camp and Milan will meet in the ‘next hours’ today to discuss a contract extension.
Arsenal and the other suitors will likely be monitoring proceedings carefully.
As it’s just an opening proposal, talks could go on for a while, so it’s not as though a decision is imminent.
Nonetheless, the negotiating parties are getting the ball rolling, so it could potentially go on to become bad news for Arsenal.
The Gunners failed to sign Douglas Luiz in summer and could do with bolstering that area further in January.
Bennacer would be a good signing for Arsenal, a player who already knows the club well and who has grown into a superb talent in recent years.
This’ll be one to watch for sure.
‘High level’
In September, Total Football Analysis published an in-depth scouting report about Bennacer, with an excerpt featured below.
‘The Rossoneri midfielder has played a pivotal role in their tactics and has helped them maintain consistency to be able to get back to the Serie A leading positions despite the limited playing minutes he got last season,’ they wrote.
‘While there were concerns over the team’s midfield performance after Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s and Franck Kessié’s departures, they have managed to keep the high level of discipline thanks to Bennacer.
‘The Algerian’s passing abilities and movement help for a cohesive performance in possession and create a balance between the lines which is key for their success in attack.
‘His impact out of possession shouldn’t be underestimated as well. As he supports the team’s pressing efforts successfully and frequently prevents them from conceding dangerous attacks.’
On Twitter, fans have likened Bennacer to the likes of Santi Cazorla, Lucas Torreira and Gennaro Gattuso.
