According to report in France, Manchester City are trying to make a move for former Arsenal and current AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacar.
A product of Arsenal academy, Bennacer joined Empoli in 2017 for a reported transfer fee of €1 million when the club had endured relegation into Serie B.
Bennacer helped Empoli gain promotion back to Serie A during 2017/2018 season, playing the role of a deep-lying playmaker in the 3-5-2 system.
He has so far shown to be a diminutive, dynamic, tenacious and versatile left-footed player, who is capable of playing in several midfield roles, such as a deep-lying playmaker, in a holding midfield role, as a central offensive-minded midfielder and as an attacking midfielder.
His attributes are his composure, passing, speed, vision, movement, dribbling and technique; he is also credited for his ability to make quick transition from defence into attack.
Bennacer surely knows when to venture forward and when to sit deep. He’s someone who can recover balls in deeper midfield, who keep things simple and instigate quick attack after winning the ball back. He likes to dictate play from deep using his technical ability and intelligence.
During this campaign, Bennacer has average 86% accurate passes per game, 1.7 interceptions, 2.4 tackles, and committing just one error leading to shot in as many as 20 league matches.
With Bennacer’s age, ability and style of play, Pep Guardiola will undoubtedly be signing a player who will not only fit into his system, but will also be capable of competing for a starting position with Rodri and ageing Brazilian enforcer Fernandinho, who has just a year left on his contract.
