Arsenal & Tottenham set for blow as £44m target makes surprise decision

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Ismael Bennacer is reportedly set to sign a new contract with AC Milan despite recent reports that Arsenal and Tottenham are heavily interested in the Algerian international.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 25-year-old midfielder will soon put pen to paper on fresh terms with the Rossoneri that will see Bennacer commit his future to Milan, with the former Arsenal academy star set to see his wages increase drastically.

The news will come as a surprise for the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham given how strongly the two Premier League clubs have been linked with Bennacer in recent weeks, with CalcioMercatoWeb recently reporting that the Gunners were preparing a €50m (£44m) offer for the midfielder.

However, these rumours could soon all be about to end as Bennacer now stands on the brink of signing a new contract with AC Milan, with the Algerian a huge reason behind Stefan Pioli’s side winning the Serie A title last year for the first time in well over a decade.

Indeed, with Arsenal and Tottenham both looking at signing a central midfield in January, Bennacer would have been a great addition for either club in the winter market. However, Milan have done well to act fast and to secure the 25-year-old down to a new deal ahead of the window.

As for the north London duo, Bennacer signing a new contract is the last thing Arsenal and Tottenham would have wanted to see heading into January, with the Premier League sides now looking for alternative targets as we approach the opening of the window.

AC Milan have pulled a blinder in Bennacer’s contract talks

Bennacer was one of the best midfielders in Europe last season and this term has continued to perform for Milan despite their lack of pace in the Serie A title race. And for the Rossoneri, they will be delighted that they have managed to keep hold of the 25-year-old.

Interest was mounting with each passing week for the midfielder, and in securing Bennacer’s signature, Milan have shown a strong message to the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham that they are not a club to be messed with heading into the January window.