Chelsea FC are eyeing a move for former Arsenal midfielder Ismael Bennacer, who now stars for AC Milan. The 22-year old has become a key part of the Serie A side’s midfield since signing for the club last summer. However, Bennacer’s stint in England were not the best of times for the Algerian international.
The midfielder was contracted to the Gunners for a span of two years, from 2015 to 2017. However, Bennacer made just a sole first-team outing as a player for the North London based Premier League outfit. The Algerian international’s only appearance for Arsenal came in the club’s humiliating 3-0 loss to Championship side Sheffield Wednesday.
Following a prolonged wait on the sidelines for further first-team involvement at the Gunners, Bennacer chose to take the exit door for a fresh challenge elsewhere. He subsequently signed for Italian side Empoli, where his performances in the centre of the park made many top clubs take note of him.
AC Milan made a move for the Algerian international and were successful in managing to secure the midfielder’s signing last summer for a £14.5million transfer fee. Since then, Bennacer has made a name for himself with his solid run of form at the San Siro.
Moreover, the 22-year old has also become a crucial part of the Algerian national team. The former Arsenal flop won the Africa Cup of Nations following Algeria’s 1-0 victory over Senegal last summer. His performances during the tournament was subject to appreciation, and the midfielder was voted the “Best Young Player” and the “Best Player” of the tournament.
Bennacer has made a mark on the AC Milan side too over the past season since his arrival at the club. The Algerian international has made as many as 34 appearances for the Serie A side across all competitions.
The Blues’ pursuit of the 22-year old midfield prospect could cost them a fee in the region of £45 million. AC Milan are highly unlikely to budge from their asking price as they have signed the Algerian only a summer ago.
However, Chelsea FC, according to reports, might be willing to offer a cash-plus-player deal in order to tempt the Italian giants to let Bennacer depart this summer. The 28-year old midfielder Jorginho could be included as a makeweight in the deal for the Milan midfielder.
