Luka Modric has labelled Ismael Bennacer one of his ‘favourite players’ as a major transfer blunder becomes clearer and clearer for sorry old Arsenal, speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport.
It’s fair to say the Gunners could have done with the Algerian international on Wednesday night.
Manchester City, as we probably all predicted before the game, ripped through Mikel Arteta’s paper-thin midfield at will as they stormed to a 3-0 victory on home soil.
When they start selling time machines, Arsenal will be at the front of the queue.
Blessed with the boundless energy of a Duracell bunny, Bennacer is quickly blossoming into one of the most influential defensive enforcers in Europe since moving to AC Milan last summer – and looks every inch the kind of player Arsenal have been crying out for since Gilberto Silva left.
These days, the man who inspired Algeria to African Cup of Nations glory in 2019 is valued at £45 million.
Another face palm moment, then, for a side who sold a young Bennacer for just £900,000 in 2017.
And just to rub even more salt into the wounds, one of the finest midfielders of the 21st century has now named Bennacer amongst his very favourite footballers in the game today.
“Favorite players? I’ve always liked stylish players, like Totti, Del Piero and Pirlo. Now there are young people who promise a lot, above all (Roma’s Nicolo) Zaniolo; a pure talent,” Modric says.
“(Stefano) Sensi is also very interesting, then I like (Lorenzo) Insigne, Papu Gomez, (Franck) Ribery and Bennacer.”
Reports have suggested recently that a man who’s one and only Arsenal appearance came in a 3-0 EFL Cup defeat at Sheffield Wednesday could be heading back to England.
Manchester City are apparently interested, according to FootMercato in May.
And if Bennacer joins Kevin de Bruyne at the Etihad, Arsenal fans will soon know how Chelsea supporters feel every time the brilliant Belgian tears an opposition defence to shreds.
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