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Man United join the race to sign £45m-rated Serie A star

Ismael Bennacer has impressed for AC Milan (Getty Images)

Manchester United join City, PSG in Ismael Bennacer pursuit

According to a report from Algerian outlet Competition (h/t Daily Mail), Manchester United have joined rivals Manchester City and PSG in the race to sign AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer.

The 22-year-old Bennacer came through the youth ranks at French club AC Arles, before making the jump to our rivals Arsenal. However, he could not break into the first-team. After a loan spell to Tours, he moved to Italy, joining Empoli in 2017.

Ismael Bennacer during his time at Arsenal

In his first season at the club, Bennacer helped them to promotion to Serie A and continued in the same vein of form in 2018/19. This prompted AC Milan to snap him up last summer. Since joining the Rossoneri, the Algerian has been one of their best players this season.

Capable of playing in a multitude of roles in central midfield, Bennacer has largely been used in a double-pivot alongside Franck Kessie and he has excelled. This has led to interest in him from the likes of Manchester City and PSG. (h/t Daily Mail)

And now, Manchester United, too, have joined in the pursuit of the Algerian international. (h/t Daily Mail)

As things stand, we have a well-oiled midfield department. Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba are excelling, Nemanja Matic has found a second wind in his career, while Fred and Scott McTominay have been very impressive as well.

Matic has rediscovered top form
Nemanja Matic has rediscovered top form

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However, we must consider that Matic is already 31 and will soon be needed to phase out of the team once he reaches the end of his career. So bringing in a long-term replacement in the form of Bennacer would be a smart move.

The Algerian midfielder is expected to cost around £45m, which shouldn’t be much of a problem for the club.

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