North London giants Arsenal have opted against the idea of re-signing midfielder Ismael Bennacer according to media reports coming out of Italy.
Respected Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio revealed that the Gunners won’t sign the Algerian international player.
Ismael Bennacer was an Arsenal player until he joined Italian Serie A club Empoli at the start of last season.
The Gunners inserted a first refusal option into the contract that took him from Arsenal to Empoli in 2017.
It was revealed that Italian giants Napoli have made a €12m bid for the player and Empoli have contacted the Gunners about the new development.
Arsenal have the luxury of choosing whether to match the bid from Napoli or receive 30% of the transfer fee as stipulated in the aforementioned contract and the Gunners have opted for the second option.
Ismael Bennacer has been in good form for Empoli since his move from Arsenal last season and has scored two goals in 50 appearances in the Italian Serie A.
Arsenal have already secured the signing of Denis Suarez from Spanish La Liga champions Barcelona.
The Spaniard has joined the Gunners on loan until the end of the season with the option to make the loan move permanent in the summer..
