Italian outlet CMW claim that Manchester City are preparing a swap bid for AC Milan midfielder and Liverpool target Ismael Bennacer – including Aymeric Laporte. Bennacer has been linked with the Premier League this summer.
Bennacer, 24, joined Milan in 2019 and has since gone on to play 107 times for the Serie A champions. The last two of his three seasons have seen the Algeria international become a mainstay in the starting XI, under Stefano Pioli.
A tough-tackling midfielder, Bennacer’s name will be one of note for Arsenal fans. The Gunners allowed him to leave the club in 2017, joining Empoli. He has gone on to become one of Serie’s best midfielders over the last few years.
Liverpool and Arsenal have been linked with moves for the midfielder this summer. However, the latest report claims Manchester City have come to the table. They are willing to accept Bennacer’s £42million asking price.
However, Milan need a defender. According to the report, Manchester City are willing to offer a straight-swap deal including France international Laporte. A potential deal which CMW report in the title of their piece as ‘crazy’.
Manchester City preparing swap bid for Bennacer including Laporte
It seems far-fetched. Laporte, other than Ruben Dias, is Manchester City’s best central defender. A left-footed option, he is surely better than John Stones and Nathan Ake. Manchester City will now want to lose the Frenchman.
Manchester City could do with another central midfielder – but they do have Rodri, and have signed Kalvin Phillips. The signing of the England international from Leeds United has certainly reduced the need for another midfielder.
Bennacer is a top player and is probably worth in the region of the figure Milan are requesting. But City do not desperately need him and will certainly not lose Laporte in order to sign him – unless Milan offer cash and Bennacer.
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