Chelsea dealt a blow in their bid to sign AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football.London), Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their bid to sign AC Milan midfielder and captain Ismael Bennacer.
The Algeria international, whose contract expires at the end of this season, has been on Chelsea’s radar in the last few days. Currently, he can negotiate a move with a foreign club (the Blues being one) for a pre-contract agreement next month.
But, the latest report says that Milan have struck an extension with the midfielder. The player’s agent Enzo Raiola is aiming to increase his client’s salary at San Siro.
Bennacer is a former Arsenal player, who arrived in north London as a young player back in 2015. He left the Gunners for the Italian side Empoli in 2017. Two years later, he became a Milan player.
The 25-year-old is a defensive midfielder by trade who can also operate as a central midfielder. He has played as an attacking midfielder in his career as well, but not in recent seasons.
Chelsea are in a situation where two of their senior midfielders – N’Golo Kante and Jorginho are set to be free agents in the summer following the expiry of their contracts at Stamford Bridge.
So, the Blues need additions in the central midfield department, be it in January or in the summer. Bennacer potentially offers up a great option to fill up one of the key positions.
The Algerian’s game has come leaps and bounds in the last year or so. He has been one of Milan’s key players. Maybe that is why the Serie A champions are keen on making him sign that contract extension.
It would be a blow to Chelsea for missing out on signing the 25-year-old. His experience and quality would have added something different and great to our midfield. Not to be, or so it would appear.
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