Milan and Ismael Bennacer are working on contract extension amid speculation about Manchester United’s renewed interest in the midfielder. Calciomercato claims the Rossoneri have laid the foundation for the Algerian’s renewal to prevent him from moving to the Premier League.
Fresh from helping Milan win their first Scudetto since 2010/11, Bennacer wants to clarify his future at San Siro. The 24-year-old played a significant role in the club’s long-awaited Serie A triumph last season, making 31 league appearances.
Indeed, Bennacer has been essential in Stefano Pioli’s tactical set-up. Irremovable in the double-pivot, the former Empoli man has earned high acclaim from the San Siro hierarchy. So Milan are keen to reward him with a new contract.
Bennacer has two years left to run on his current deal in Lombardy. The Algerian has been locked in extension talks with Milan for months. But there are no signs of a breakthrough on the horizon. But the Rossoneri remain confident of tying him down to a new contract.
Negotiations between the parties are moving forward, but there’s no agreement yet. Time could be a sensitive mission in this case, though. Man United, who were after Bennacer last summer, have reportedly reignited their interest in the Milan ace.
The Premier League powerhouse are currently working on Frenkie de Jong’s arrival from Barcelona. However, new boss Erik ten Hag hopes to sign another midfielder.
The Red Devils have already confirmed the departures of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic. It means de Jong alone could prove insufficient.
Bennacer is not an unknown entity to Man United’s recruitment team. They have been following him closely during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure. And now could be a perfect time to lodge a renewed bid.
It means Milan will have to expedite negotiations with their star midfielder. After already losing Franck Kessie to Barcelona on a free transfer, the Rossoneri can ill-afford to let another first-team regular depart the club this summer.