Midfield secured! AC Millan to tie Bennacer to a new four-year contract

AC Milan have recognised the immense contribution of their Algerian midfielder Ismael Bennacer and have decided to tie him down to a new four-year contract that would leave the 25-year-old with Serie A holders until mid-2027.

Bennacer was already recognised as a good central midfielder for the Italian team. Still, the role he assumed in the wake of Franck Kessie's departure is what really convinced coach Stefano Pioli and technical director Paolo Maldini.

The former Empoli and Arsenal man had 18 months left on his current deal, so the Rossoneri did well to prevent any kind of speculation that's bound to surround a player with just over 12 months left on their contract.

According to Corriere Dello Sport, an agreement is very close between the parties but one more meeting is needed to seal the deal. The offer is worth around $4.6 million per year.

Former Italian international Paolo Di Canio urged Milan to keep their midfield pairing of Bennacer and Sandro Tonali as it's proving to work well.

"Tonali and Bennacer have become a perfect tandem. They aren't very tall but have quick steps. Tonali often runs with the ball and restarts the action. They have great quality and great ability to alternate positions between them."

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the deal is all but signed and will include a $53 million release clause. It was already in the previous contract, and while Milan wanted to remove it, they agreed to leave it there. If the terms are the same, then that clause will only be valid for clubs from abroad.

In the meantime, Bennacer is preparing for Milan's clash against Roma tomorrow. The Rossoneri are now just five points behind Napoli in the Scudetto race, as the Neapolitans lost to Inter earlier this week.