AC Milan have completed the transfer of Empoli defensive midfielder Ismael Bennacer. The 21-year-old will join Milan immediately after the end of Africa’s Cup of nations.
MILAN TRANSFER NEWS – After Rade Krunic, Ismael Bennacer becomes the second Empoli player to join AC Milan this summer. Sky Sport confirms that the Rossoneri have completed the transfer of the 21-year-old defensive midfielder.
In the meeting with Empoli, Maldini and Massara initially offered 13 million euros for Bennacer while the request of the Tuscan club which was around 20 million. In the end the agreement was reached at 13 million plus a bonus of 1-2 million. The midfielder has been playing with Empoli for the past two years and this season he made 37 Serie A appearances providing 3 assists.
In secret yesterday, Paolo Maldini and sporting director Massara had met Moussa Sissoko, the player’s agent, to lay the groundwork for the contractual agreement. There are still some minor details to discuss with the player but Ismael Bennacer will sign a five-year contract of 1,3 million euros per season.
AC Milan beat Fiorentina in the race for Bennacer’s services. The Viola had offer 12 million euros for the Algeria international who is currently busy with his national team playing in Africa’s Cup of nations. The former Arsenal youngster has started all the group matches from the first minute and Algeria has won every game so far.
At the same time AC Milan have abandoned their pursuit of Jordan Veretout refusing to match Fiorentina’s asking fee of €25 million. After failing to reach an agreement with Arsenal for Lucas Torreira, the Rossoneri identified the 21-year-old Empoli midfielder as the ideal replacement. Similar in stature and play style, Ismael Bennacer is ready for a quality step forward.
