Former Arsenal youngster and AFCON star seals AC Milan move
Ismael Bennacer has completed a move from Empoli to AC Milan, signing a 5-year deal with the Rossoneri, the clubs have confirmed.
The 21-year-old will be playing Serie A football once more after he was unable to help prevent his former club from relegation last season.
Bennacer signed for Empoli from Arsenal on a permanent basis in 2017, helping the club to promotion to the top-flight and becoming a mainstay in the side.
The youngster spent just two years with the Gunners between 2015 and 2017, six months of which were away from the club on loan at Ligue 2 outfit Tours.
Last season the midfielder started 32 of 37 Serie A appearances, registering five assists and averaging 2.9 tackles per 90 minutes.
Moreover, of all players to complete 50 dribbles or more - averaging two successful per 90 minutes - Bennacer boasted the best success rate in Italy (77.6 per cent).
#TotalAFCON2019
— CAF (@CAF_Online) July 19, 2019
The moment you've all been waiting for is finally here. The Total Man Of The Competition is none other than I. Bennacer! Congrats! #FootballTogether pic.twitter.com/gkbPotdKLd
Having made his senior international debut for Algeria in 2017, the dynamic midfielder helped his national team to their first Africa Cup of Nations title in 29 years and earning the player of the tournament award in the process.
great player