Struggling to find a way into Arsenal’s first-team, Ismael Bennacer, after two years at the Emirates, was allowed to leave the club permanently for Empoli in Serie B.
Helping the Italian side get promoted to the top-tier, the midfielder has continued his good form among the country’s elite, catching the eye of a number of bigger clubs along the way.
It was reported by Le10 Sport last week that the Gunners had a buy-back clause negotiated with Empoli in case they wanted to force a return, but Unai Emery had yet to show ‘concrete interest’.
However, Le Buteur in Algeria believe otherwise, as they have an article on Napoli’s strong desire to sign Bennacer for next season.
Carlo Ancelotti has gone as far as telling the midfielder about his intentions to want to work with him directly, and the Italian club are said to be in the lead.
Napoli reportedly ‘caught wind’ of interest from Arsenal, and are ready to offer two of their players as well as a ‘good amount’ of money in order to sign the Algeria international.
Whether the Gunners’ ‘interest’ is just there to make things interesting for readers is too soon to tell, but we’ll certainly be keeping an eye on this one in the coming weeks.
So far this season, Bennacer has assisted teammates four times in 30 league appearances, starting 81% of his team’s games.
