Premier League sides Manchester United and Manchester City are going to make a move for AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer, as per Foot Mercato.
The report(as cited by Inside Futbol) are suggesting that the two Manchester clubs are keeping close tabs on the defensive midfielder and have also made enquiries about the 23-year-old.
Who is Ismael Bennacer?
Ismael Bennacer was once with the Arsenal U23 squad and he went on to join AC Milan in 2019 via Empoli. And in these past few seasons the 23-year-old has turned himself into one of the most important players in the Milan squad.
Last season, the defensive midfielder played in 21 league matches and he was stellar throughout the campaign. This time around he’s already played in nine games and as per Fotmob, he has a rating of 7.10 out of 10.
His current deal with Milan expires in 2024 and the Rossoneri will be reluctant to let him leave. Franck Kessie is already in his final year of his contract so they will make priorities of offering a new deal to Ismael Bennacer asap.
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Ismael Bennacer is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also play further up front, just behind the forward line.
Ismael Bennacer moving to Man City or Man United?
Man City already have a world-class defensive midfielder in the form of Rodri but with Fernandinho entering the twilight of his career, Pep Guardiola must be looking at Bennacer as the replacement to the Brazilian.
But it’s Manchester United who are badly in need of a defensive midfielder and someone like Ismael Bennacer can solve a lot of their problems.
United have been all over the place this season because of the absence of a defensive midfielder which is why they are itching to make a move for Declan Rice.
But Rice will not come cheap which is Ismael Bennacer could be the ideal backup plan for the Red Devils.
The Milan midfielder is only valued at £34.2 million so he will be available for cheap. But if Man City are serious about signing the 23-year-old then it will be very tough for Man United to get their hands on him. The only way they will be able to convince Bennacer to choose them over their local rivals is by offering a guaranteed start next season.
