Report: Liverpool preparing £34m offer for Arsenal target, Gunners have already bid

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Italian outlet CMW claim Liverpool are preparing an offer of ‘just under’ £34million for AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer – a player that left Arsenal in 2017, and one that Arsenal are also said to want back at The Emirates.

Bennacer, 24, has been excellent over the last three seasons for Milan. Initially starting as a rotational option in the summer of 2019, he has become a regular in the last two – helping Milan win the Serie A title in 2021-22.

The Algeria international left Arsenal in 2017, but reports claim that the Gunners want him back. Indeed, it is claimed that Arsenal have made an offer of £34million to bring him back to the Premier League this summer.

Other reports suggest that even Erik Ten Hag wants Bennacer at Manchester United. A potential move that includes Donny van de Beek has been reported. But nothing has come of that, as things stand.

However, Arsenal are not alone in their pursuit of Bennacer. Indeed, CMW now claim that Liverpool are preparing a similar offer for the African ace. Milan could be about to rake in huge cash for Bennacer, and Pierre Kalulu.

Liverpool preparing Bennacer offer: Arsenal already at table

The Reds could do with another body in the middle of the park. Liverpool still have Fabinho in holding midfield, while Jordan Henderson is likely to provide cover. Henderson can also play slightly further forward.

James Milner has remained for another season, Thiago normally sits slightly in front of Fabinho. So, there is an argument that Liverpool need more depth in holding midfield. But Arsenal need Bennacer a whole lot more.

The Gunners kept Mo Elneny – but he is not good enough to start. Granit Xhaka is inconsistent, Thomas Partey has been up and down, too. Albert Sambi Lokonga might need to go on loan to prove his £15million transfer fee.

So, surely, Arsenal need another man in midfield. However, if they have brought in Oleksandr Zinchenko to play in midfield, the need for Bennacer does reduce. But with Nuno Tavares leaving, Zinchenko is likely to be left-back.