Arsenal are plotting a part-exchange offer for AC Milan star Ismael Bennacer and are ready to let Folarin Balogun go the other way.
According to Calciomercatoweb, Arsenal could offer 17-goal star Folarin Balogun in part-exchange for Ismael Bennacer. Mikel Arteta wants to reinforce his midfield in the summer, with the Algerian considered the ideal player to move forward.
Ismael Bennacer may have committed his future at Serie A giants AC Milan. But he may have offers coming in during the summer window. The Algerian midfielder has cemented his place in Stefano Pioli’s side and remains a key star for the Rossoneri.
While collectively, Milan are having a difficult season, Bennacer has played his part well. Arsenal could devise an approach in the summer and take advantage of situations evolving at the San Siro. For instance, the future of Rafael Leao has come into significant doubt, with Milan possibly needing a replacement in the summer.
The Gunners are ready to take Milan’s interest in Folarin Balogun and use the young forward, who has 17 goals this season for Reims, in the deal for Bennacer. The report suggests Arsenal could offer the 21-year-old plus cash to sign the 25-year-old.
Mikel Arteta remains open to adding a midfielder, with Declan Rice their top priority. However, they might keep their options open and target Bennacer as an alternative. The 25-year-old midfielder has previously spent time with the Gunners before making a name for himself at Milan.
Considering the Serie A giants are reportedly interested in Balogun, a deal could materialise. In this scenario, Bennacer is visibly valued higher than the 17-goal striker. The youngster has interest from other clubs in Italy, meaning the Gunners could ponder selling him elsewhere for money.
The report suggests Arsenal could offer Balogun in part exchange plus cash for Bennacer. The offer may seem enticing as Milan would want a new prolific attacker in their squad. The Algerian has been one of their best performers under Pioli. Hence, they are not keen to sell him on the go.
As for Bennacer, he also has interest from other Premier League clubs like Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp wants solid options to reinforce his midfield. However, if the race is against Arsenal, the 25-year-old might choose to return to London over joining the Merseysiders.
The coming months will reveal how serious Arsenal are over Bennacer. They are reportedly interested. But signing him over Rice may seem doubtful. The Algerian midfielder only signed a new deal with Milan in January, meaning the Serie A giants are in no rush to sell him now.
