Arsenal reportedly plotting swoop for ‘pivotal’ £52m star likened to Santi Cazorla

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Arsenal have been linked with AC Milan’s Ismael Bennacer in recent days.

A report from CMW claimed that the Gunners have been plotting a cash-plus-player deal for the Algeria international.

Meanwhile, Algerie Football Media‘s Twitter account claimed that Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are eyeing Bennacer.

The Gunners and the Blues are ahead in the race due to the player’s desire to join a London club, added the report.

Apparently, ‘his decision is made’ as he ‘will leave Serie A for the Premier League next June’.

Milan reportedly value Bennacer at €60million, or around £52million.

Arsenal target Bennacer – factfile

The Gunners have been linked with a number of midfielders in recent months, including Danilo and Youri Tielemans.

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.

Now, the report claiming Arsenal would be willing to send Thomas Partey the other way seems unrealistic.

He has been one of their best players this season, so there’s no reason to sell him.

However, that’s just one report – it could be that Arsenal would look to sign Bennacer without part-exchanging anyone.

In that case, he wouldn’t be a bad shout for the Gunners.

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.’

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