Better than Youri Tielemans: Arsenal considering re-signing former midfielder as Youri Tielemans alternative
Arsenal are reportedly interested in bringing AC Milan star Ismael Bennacer back to the Emirates, five years after they sold him.
Mikel Arteta is after a new midfielder this summer, who can combine creativity with defensive prowess, with Leicester’s Youri Tielemans and Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic both heavily linked to the club.
But according to The Sun, a new name is on Arsenal’s radar, or rather an old one, with former Gunner Bennacer now viewed as a potential signing.
The 24-year-old made just one League Cup appearance for the North London club in 2015, before he was sold for less than £1million to then Serie B side Empoli in 2017, where he established himself as a fine defensive midfielder, making a £15m move to Milan just two years later.
He has since played 105 times for Milan, helping the club to the Serie A title last season, and he was also named the Best Player at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019, after winning the tournament with Algeria.
While he lacks the attacking stats of players like Tielemans and Milinkovic-Savic, the Arsenal board are said to still be annoyed at their decision to sell Bennacer and may want to right a wrong.
Milan are not thought to be interested in selling their player however, having already lost one defensive midfielder this summer, namely Franck Kessie who has joined Barcelona on a free.
But for the right offer they could be willing to make a deal, with Bennacer, who has two years left on his contract, valued at £35m.
This could be possible for Arsenal, if their proposed £30m bid for Tielemans is rejected, although Leicester would be wise to cash in on the Belgian given his refusal to extend his contract beyond next summer.
