Arsenal opt against buy-back option for Serie A midfielder

Arsenal have turned down the opportunity to use their buy-back option on Empoli starlet Ismael Bennacer, claims Gianluca Di Marzio.

Bennacer was a revelation for Empoli last season and has been heavily linked with a move to AC Milan this summer.

The Algeria international, who is currently preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal, spent two years at Arsenal before joining Empoli in 2017.

Arsenal included a first right of refusal option in Bennacer’s move to Empoli allowing them the chance to match any offer received by the Serie A outfit.

Milan have lodged a €16m (£14.4m) bid for the 21-year-old but Arsenal manager Unai Emery has turned down the chance to match their offer.

Strengthening in midfield is not a priority for Arsenal despite Aaron Ramsey’s move to Juventus, as Emery focuses on signing a left-back and winger.

Bennacer only missed one Serie A match for Empoli last season and made 32 starts for the relegated outfit.

Furthermore, the Empoli midfielder registered five assists in that time and only Nicolo Barella (99) made more tackles than Bennacer (95) of players aged 23 and under.