Arsenal now reportedly working to sign ‘exceptional’ £52m star likened to David Silva, fans should be excited – TBR View

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Arsenal are currently flying high in both the Premier League and Europa League. However, they must not rest on their laurels.

With the January transfer window fast approaching, the Gunners may well look to delve into the market for reinforcements.

In the summer window, Arsenal failed to get any late signings over the line. They were seemingly after a new midfielder and a new winger.

As such, a lot of the current transfer speculation involving the Gunners relates to potential new midfield and wing recruits.

One player’s name doing the rounds is that of AC Milan and Algeria star Ismael Bennacer.

A recent report from Gazzetta dello Sport – via Sport Witness – claims that the Gunners have made contact over the 24-year-old.

However, the likes of Chelsea are apparently also in the race for Bennacer, who is said to have a £52million price tag.

If Arsenal do succeed in getting his signature, it would be great news, as he’s a top player.

‘Significant time and space for teammates to exploit’

Bennacer was previously on Arsenal’s books, though he only made one senior appearance for the North Londoners.

He has developed into a top player since then, so you could understand why the Gunners may want him back.

On Twitter, fans have likened Bennacer to the likes of Santi Cazorla, Lucas Torreira, David Silva and Gennaro Gattuso.

Already in 2018, scouting outlets were singing Bennacer’s praises.

Scouting FTBL wrote: ‘In the current tactical landscape of European football, central midfielders that can retain possession under pressure and break opponents’ pressing schemes have become integral.

‘Ismael Bennacer does both. His outstanding attribute as a deep-lying midfielder is his high-level mobility under pressure and impressive dexterity in tight spaces.

‘He is exceptional at moving the ball to alleviate pressure: passing quickly to accessible team-mates, turning away from on-rushing opponents to burst upfield, dribbling out of tight spaces to extend build-up sequences – all of that creates significant time and space for teammates to exploit.’

‘A high level of discipline’

More recently, Total Football Analysis published an in-depth scouting report about Bennacer, with an excerpt featured below.

‘The Rossoneri midfielder has played a pivotal role in their tactics and has helped them maintain consistency to be able to get back to the Serie A leading positions despite the limited playing minutes he got last season,’ they wrote.

‘While there were concerns over the team’s midfield performance after Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s and Franck Kessié’s departures, they have managed to keep the high level of discipline thanks to Bennacer.

‘The Algerian’s passing abilities and movement help for a cohesive performance in possession and create a balance between the lines which is key for their success in attack.

‘His impact out of possession shouldn’t be underestimated as well. As he supports the team’s pressing efforts successfully and frequently prevents them from conceding dangerous attacks.’