Man City News

Man City eye “very promising” €30m-rated Silva successor with Etihad ties – Report

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According to an exclusive report from French media outlet Foot Mercato, Man City and Pep Guardiola in particular are currently eyeing a swoop for AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer this summer – with the Spaniard having already ‘started discussions‘ with the player’s entourage. 

Bennacer, who has started 18 Serie A games for Milan this season, forming a formidable partnership with Franck Kessie in midfield under head coach Stefano Pioli, is currently at the centre of Guardiola’s interest as we search for a potential heir to departing club legend David Silva.

Even though Bennacer plies his trade as a defensive midfield player, this Foot Mercato piece has claimed we view him as a potential Silva ‘replacement‘ as City look to ‘inject‘ new recruits into an otherwise ageing middle of the park.

As well as Silva, Fernandinho is currently in his mid-30s and could need a successor in the near future, even despite the fact he has pledged his services at the Etihad Stadium with a one-year contract extension until 2021.

Could Bennacer replace either Fernandinho or Silva?

Yes, need new blood

No, both are irreplaceable legends

Enter Bennacer, who was once described by none other than former Premier League boss Arsene Wenger as a ‘very promising‘ player who is also ‘very efficient‘ and a ‘fighter’.

Judging by this high praise from one of the top flight’s greatest ever managers, Bennacer could be one to watch out for, and Guardiola certainly appears keen to acquire his services.

Indeed, our manager has apparently been following the 22-year-old’s exploits for a ‘long time‘ and could be deemed a ‘fan‘ – with the player currently valued at around €30 million (£26.7 million) according to le10sport.

Whether or not we do manage to land the Algerian youngster remains to be seen, but given his ties to the Etihad through international teammate Riyad Mahrez, we may have been handed an advantage.

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