According to Corriere dello Sport (h/t Sport Witness), Manchester City are interested in Ismaël Bennacer and may have to battle Paris Saint-Germain for his signature. The 22-year-old has impressed for AC Milan since joining the club in 2019 and Corriere dello Sport believe his days at the San Siro are numbered as a result.
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We signed Rodrigo from Atletico Madrid as a long-term replacement for Fernandinho, but the 24-year-old gets dribbled past far too often (nine times in seven Premier League games) and gives away a lot of fouls (10). Bennacer, however, may have the attributes we’re looking for in a defensive midfielder.
He’s made 48 appearances in all competitions since arriving from Empoli, scoring one goal with four assists. The Algerian international hasn’t missed a Serie A game for Milan this season (472 minutes) and has completed 88.6% of his 333 passes, won 7/11 aerial duels (63%), made 8/13 successful dribbles (one every 59 minutes) and has averaged a tackle (12) or interception (6) every 26 minutes. He’s been dribbled past (7) fewer times than Rodri too.
In fact, Bennacer has made more tackles than De Bruyne (10) and more interceptions (0) too, so he may well improve our squad. The 22-year-old won’t come cheap with a €50m release clause, but he does appear to be on our radar. Time will tell if we make a move.
In other news, here’s why Manchester City could suffer a transfer blow for Erling Haaland in January