Agent of Liverpool transfer target Ismael Bennacer holds positive contract talks with AC Milan

In what could be a big blow to Liverpool, the agent of transfer target Ismael Bennacer has held ‘positive talks’ with AC Milan over the possibility of a new contract for the Algerian international.

According to Italian outlet SOSFanta (h/t Liverpool Echo), the 25-year-old’s agents want him to stay in Milan beyond his current deal which lasts until 2024 (Transfermarkt) and reportedly, the conversations are going in a positive direction for the Serie A giants.

The defensive-midfielder has been on the Reds’ radar for a prolonged period of time, and in an attempt to fend off Liverpool’s interests, the seven-time UCL winners might be planning to put pen to paper and give the Arsenal academy graduate a new deal.

Midfield Dilemma for the Reds

Bennacer is a regular starter in Stefan Pioli’s side and alongside Sofyan Amrabat, he is one of two defensive midfielders who see themselves linked with a move to Liverpool. Following Fabinho’s poor form over the summer, it will be sensible if the Merseysiders dip into the transfer market.

Apart from that natural role of his, Bennacer is also capable of playing advanced midfield roles which makes him a great option to have. Liverpool are in a transition phase and certainly need new central midfielders to replace the likes of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara in the long term.

But from what it seems, the idea of having Bennacer on board at the Reds seems to be diminishing by the day given AC Milan’s relentlessness to give their star a new deal to secure his future with the club.

Obviously, there are plenty of players to choose from, but having the option of a top player is certainly something that is beneficial and hopefully, the Reds sign a player or two to provide competition to the current XI, and build a team for the future at the same time.

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Let’s just hope that we get anyone in who is of a strong age profile and can fit in as a proper number six in Klopp’s system. Bennacer isn’t the first or the last good midfielder who will be available in the market.

That being said, it would be wise for us to keep an eye on his contract situation at San Siro.