Why Manchester City should make a move for Ismael Bennacer
According to RMC Sport (h/t Daily Mail), Manchester City are keen on signing AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer in the summer.
Bennacer, 22, is a product of AC Arles youth system. He was signed by Arsenal in the summer of 2015 and joined their U21 ranks. However, he failed to make it to the Gunners senior set up and since then, he has had spells Tours FC and Empoli before joining the Italian giants last August.
The Algerian has been a key part of Milan’s squad this term and is one of the reasons for the club’s improved performances before the league got suspended. He also helped his nation lift the Africa Cup of Nations trophy last year and was adjudged the tournament’s best player.
The report also suggests that Bennacer was wanted by Manchester City five years back before he decided to join Arsenal. However, City should make a move for him this summer as he has been in sensational form for both club and country in recent years.
Pep Guardiola’s side have failed to defend their title as they are 25 points behind league leaders Liverpool. City have been inconsistent on several occasions and they haven’t been as dominant as they were in the previous title-winning campaigns.
With the rest of the season yet to be played, City boss Guardiola should consider bringing in fresh faces to the squad. They need to get back to their best before the new campaign starts if they are to do better.
Bennacer- A future replacement for Fernandinho
The English outfit have a plethora of attack-minded midfielders in the squad with Kevin De Bruyne performing at his best for the past few years. However, they have lacked quality in the defensive midfield role. Fernandinho and Rodri are the two defensive midfielders available at the manager’s disposal.
While the Brazilian has mainly featured as a centre-back throughout the campaign, Rodri has not lived up to the expectations so far. And with Fernandinho ageing, it would be wise of the club to sign Bennacer in the summer as he would add depth to the squad.
The Algerian has featured in 20 league games for Milan this term and has been one of the bright spots in the team. And by signing him, City would have two young defensive midfielders for the post-Fernandinho era.
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Verdict
It is clear that City lack quality options in the defensive midfield role. Moreover, with Fernandinho having just one more year left on his contract, signing Bennacer would be the right decision by the English outfit. He is young and might develop himself under Guardiola. Thus, they should lure the Algerian to Etihad this summer.
