Despite only leaving Arsenal for Serie B side Empoli in the summer, Ismael Bennacer claims he’s open to moving back to the Gunners one day.

Bennacer swapped London for Florence over the summer in search of regular first team football, which he decided he was far more likely to get at Empoli than Arsenal.

Although this is the case, the 20-year-old is still open to returning to the Gunners one day and even hinted that there’s a clause in his contract with the Serie B team that would allow him to do so.

“According to Arsène Wenger, there were many players in midfield at the club. I know I could have claimed a place, even if it’s difficult,” the youngster told Foot Mercato.

“But after that, I did not want to take chances and waste more time. I wanted to play and consistently. Who knows, maybe one day I will go back to Arsenal through the front door.

“There are several clauses in my contract. So there is a possibility that I will go back to Arsenal. Everything will depend on my evolution.”

Bennacer only ever made one League Cup appearance for Arsenal’s first team and that was during the 3-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in November 2015. The Frenchman had only just joined from Arles, so it wasn’t exactly the best start to his Arsenal career.

He did go on to make 24 appearances for the u23s and impressed with 16 Ligue 2 performances while on loan at Tours in 2017. He scored once and provided two assists while there.

Since moving to Empoli, Bennacer has started 13 times in Serie B and made 19 appearances in the competition over all.

Perhaps the midfielder will return to Arsenal one day but I wouldn’t count on it. Usually, once you’re out, you’re out.