Manchester United set to use Donny van de Beek in swap deal to sign £38 million-rated Arsenal target: Reports
Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing AC Milan midfielder and Arsenal target Ismael Bennacer in a swap deal involving playmaker Donny van de Beek this summer.
Bennacer, who has two years left on his current deal at the San Siro, has been a mainstay in the middle of the park for the Rossoneri over the past three seasons. During the 2021-22 season, Bennacer helped AC Milan lift the Serie A title with two goals and an assist in 31 matches.
A technically gifted midfielder with a knack for beating the opposition's press, the 24-year-old has turned a lot of heads with his performances. The Algerian previously spent two years on Arsenal's books between 2015 and 2017 after joining from French outfit Arles. He then joined Serie B side Empoli in the 2017-18 season and helped them achieve automatic promotion.
@acmilan
Here we go again 🔴⚫️ @acmilan https://t.co/960mDb7QlS
According to CalcioMercatoWeb, new Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is hoping to lure Bennacer away from Italy by including Van de Beek plus a transfer fee in a potential deal. The report also stated that AC Milan have slapped a price tag of £38 million on the Algerian.
Van de Beek recently opened up about his experience on loan at Everton last season as he hopes to revive his career. Speaking to the club's website, he said:
"[Manchester] United is a massive club with a lot of fans and, to wear the shirt, it's always a special feeling. For me as well, I'm really happy to be back. For my experience, I think [the Everton loan] was good. Obviously, I was a little bit unlucky with my injuries, but, overall, it was a good experience to be there."
Van de Beek, who arrived at Manchester United from Ajax for £35 million in 2020, has made 50 appearances for the Red Devils, registering two goals and two assists in the process.
🗣 “Playing short behind the striker, he has a really good smell for being in the right position.”
Erik ten Hag says Donny van de Beek’s best position is in the number 10 role. 🇳🇱 https://t.co/oDi9eHcz8n
Manchester United pip Arsenal to the signature of Lisandro Martinez
According to Sky Sports, Manchester United have reached an agreement with Ajax for left-footed centre-back Lisandro Martinez in a deal worth up to £57 million. The 24-year-old is set to sign a five-year contract at Old Trafford.
Arsenal were also in the race for the Argentina international but have conceded defeat in their pursuit. Martinez will now be reunited with his former boss Ten Hag in Manchester.
The defender has helped keep 22 clean sheets in the 37 games he played across competitions las season for Ajax. He helped the Eredivisie giants to yet another title.