Manchester City are weighing up whether to go “head to head” with Arsenal for AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer, according to FootballTransfers.com.

The website claims that manager Pep Guardiola is “a big admirer” of the Algerian international, who is also being eyed by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.

Bennacer actually came through the youth ranks of the London club before leaving for Italy so there is a possibility that he could return to the Emirates.

City, meanwhile, are looking for reinforcements in the middle of the park, with captain Ilkay Gundogan and, potentially, Kalvin Phillips both leaving the Etihad at the end of the season.

Whether Milan would consider selling Bennacer, though, it is debatable. The Rossoneri recently tied down the 25-year-old to a new contract, keeping him at the San Siro until the summer of 2027. However, they may not have any choice in the matter. FootballTransfers claim that the player does have a €50m (£44m) release clause that remains active until 2024.