Now a regular for Rennes in Ligue 1, Ramy Bensebaini’s career could have taken a very different turn three years ago when he had the opportunity to sign for Arsenal.
Contracted to Paradou AC in Algeria at the time, the left-back was given the opportunity to have a trial with the Gunners in order to impress them enough, hoping to get himself a permanent transfer out of it.
However, as he revealed to Ouest-France on Tuesday ahead of the two clubs clashing in the Europa League, everything collapsed at the last minute, seemingly because of work permit issues.
He said: “I spent a month there on trial in 2015. I was training with the first-team and was playing with the reserves. I’d spoken to Arsène Wenger a few times. I was meant to sign, but there was a problem with the papers regarding my nationality. In the end, it didn’t happen. I’m glad to see Arsenal again”.
Instead of signing at the Emirates, Bensebaini ended up going on loan at Montpellier where he impressed enough to get Rennes to spend £1.8m on him at the end of the season in 2016.With the first-team since then, the 23-year-old has made 29 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
