Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are the favourites to sign AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer if he leaves the Rossoneri, according to reports in Italy.
It is believed the Citizens would be prepared to pay the Algerian’s €50m (£45m) release clause but the former Arsenal player is thought to be currently happy at the San Siro.
Bennacer has been impressive since he moved to Milan from Empoli 14 months ago and supporters on Twitter would like to see City make a move for the midfielder:
Plz buy him abeg
— Rishi ? (@mahrezz_szn) November 12, 2020
massive upgrade on gundo
— Clinton Baynham (@Cj_Baynham) November 12, 2020
he's a baller
— Manchester City Goals (@CitehGoals) November 12, 2020
I want him over Zakaria tbh but happy with Either
— AJ ? (@KZN22_) November 12, 2020
Pls buy him plsssss
— onemilli (@onemilli1) November 12, 2020
No..Bennacer >>> more dynamic, technical and press resistant.
— Vvk (@vvk_blc) November 12, 2020
He’s a warrior.
So aggressive and tenacious without the ball but so composed when in possession and controls the game from deep with his conservative and progressive passing.
Would prefer him over Zakaria due to Zakaria’s unfortunate injury record. pic.twitter.com/sNEuR7QyLE— Fin (@__Finlay__) November 12, 2020
Although he wouldn’t be a like for like replacement for Fernandinho, the 22-year-old is a holding midfielder by trade and could be seen as the player to fill the void if City’s captain leaves at the end of his contract in the summer.
Bennacer came through Arsenal’s academy and actually played one senior match for the Gunners in an EFL Cup match against Sheffield Wednesday back in 2015 before leaving for Empoli.