Real Madrid have made an enquiry for AC Milan star Ismael Bennacer. The Algerian, who has a €50 million release clause, is also a target for Manchester City.
According to a report from Footmercato, La Liga giants Real Madrid have enquired about the availability of AC Milan midfield star Ismael Bennacer as they eye a summer move. The Algerian is a target for current Premier League champions Manchester City.
The 22-year Bennacer has grown leaps and bounds since leaving Arsenal for Empoli. Having helped the club to promotion to the Serie A in his very first season, he made a solid impression in his top-flight debut, prompting AC Milan to sign him last summer.
While Milan have had another middling campaign, Bennacer has been one of the few positives for the Rossoneri. The midfielder has featured 23 times across all competitions, assisting one goal in the process.
Reports of Manchester City’s interest emerged earlier this month as manager Pep Guardiola eyes a replacement for captain David Silva, who will leave after his contract expires at the end of the season. And while Bennacer has primarily played as a defensive midfielder this term, the Algerian has the ability to operate as the creative force of a team as well.
Also, given Fernandinho’s advancing years, it makes sense for Guardiola to want to add another long-term midfield prospect such as Bennacer to his ranks. The aforementioned report states that the Manchester City boss has already held talks with the midfielder over the possibility of a summer transfer.
However, they will now have to face competition from Spanish giants Real Madrid. Zinedine Zidane has been eyeing reinforcements in the middle of the park for a while now, given Luka Modric’s waning powers as well as the lack of a backup for defensive midfielder Casemiro.
Los Blancos have been heavily linked with a move for Manchester United’s Paul Pogba, while French teenage sensation Eduardo Camavinga has also emerged as a top target for the club. However, the former is likely to cost a huge sum in transfer fee, whereas Rennes president Nicolas Holveck has ruled out the latter’s sale this summer.
This situation has led Real Madrid to consider a move for Bennacer, with the Merengues already submitting an enquiry for his services. The 22-year-old is reported to have a €50 million release clause and is also being eyed by Paris Saint-Germain, who already have had a €30 million offer rejected. Manchester United, too, are monitoring the Milan star’s situation.
Given the amount of interest that Bennacer is generating, it seems like a strong possibility that he will not be an AC Milan player come summer. What remains to be seen is if he ends up signing for Real Madrid or Manchester City or a different club altogether.