Arsenal and Chelsea have established contacts to understand the possibility of signing Ismael Bennacer from AC Milan.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal and Chelsea are among the clubs keeping tabs on Ismael Bennacer. AC Milan are under pressure regarding his contractual situation, which could result in a sale during the January transfer window.
Ismael Bennacer is a crucial player for AC Milan, who have grown to value him highly over the last few seasons. The 25-year-old helped them win the Serie A last term, and things are well for him at the club where he plays regularly.
AC Milan are under some pressure with his contractual situation. The player’s current deal expires in 2024, and there needs to be more progress made over an extension. Milan knows the financial power of Premier League sides to offer Bennacer a more lucrative contract than they can.
Additionally, if the situation remains at a standstill, January could be the best time to make the sale. His value will drastically depreciate in the summer. Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly keen on bringing Bennacer to the Premier League. The London duo would like a deal in January.
Mikel Arteta is in the market for a new midfielder, ideally in the defensive mould. Bennacer has qualities in the role that are different to Thomas Partey’s, which makes him an exciting target.
Arsenal are heavily linked with Palmeiras’s Danilo, with a new bid imminent before the January window opens. In Arteta’s system, Partey is hugely valuable and unlikely to be dislodged anytime soon. Hence, the priority is to bring a player that can cover for the Ghanaian and develop under Arteta.
Meanwhile, Chelsea face a challenging situation with central midfielders. Influential duo Jorginho and N’Golo Kante’s future remain uncertain, with a double departure possible during the summer.
Jorginho’s reported wage demands could scupper any chance of staying out at the club, with a possible departure back to Italy seemingly imminent. Hence, Chelsea are looking out for many options on the market and could pounce on the Bennacer situation.
For now, Milan will hope they do not have to sell Bennacer. The Serie A champions have a longer-term vision with the 25-year-old midfielder. But to attain that, they will need to tie him to a new deal imminently.
