Unai Emery is reportedly an admirer of Youssef Ait Bennasser, a player Arsenal were first linked with back in 2016 when he was just 20.

Monaco's Moroccan midfielder Youssef Ait Bennasser reacts during the French L1 football match between Monaco (ASM) and Nimes (NO) on September 21, 2018, at the Louis II Stadium in Monaco. (Photo by VALERY HACHE / AFP)
Monaco’s Moroccan midfielder Youssef Ait Bennasser reacts during the French L1 football match between Monaco (ASM) and Nimes (NO) on September 21, 2018, at the Louis II Stadium in Monaco. (Photo by VALERY HACHE / AFP)

According to a report in Calciomercato.it, “The ‘Gunners’ technician, Unai Emery, has been an admirer of him since the time he was driving Sevilla and could push for his arrival.”

Bennasser is a holding midfielder who currently plays with Thierry Henry and Monaco after moving to the French side in the same summer Arsenal were first linked with him.

Calciomercato are reporting the story as AC Milan are interested in signing the Moroccan who has two assists in 11 Ligue 1 appearances this season.

Under contract until 2021, he reportedly earns just £10kpw, a figure that even Arsenal and their broke arse could afford to better.

At this point, however, it is nothing more than speculation and if Arsenal do decide to move for him, it won’t be until the summer.

Even though he is only valued at around £9m, he would likely cost more in January and Arsenal don’t have any money to spend.