Ismael Bennacer has a buyback clause in his contract with Empoli, according to reports, which could lead to a return to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Arsenal academy product Bennacer is having a great season with Empoli in Serie A. He’s made 30 league appearances (25 starts) in his first top-division season, excelling on the ball with excellent passing and dribbling, whilst also proving very solid defensively. He’s yet to make a single error leading to a goal this season, or even leading to a shot.

Unsurprisingly, a number of clubs are now interested. Le10Sport claim Olympique Lyonnais and Napoli are the two leading contenders, with the latter side having already placed a €16m bid.

Arsenal have the edge over all of them though. Le10Sport claim the Gunners have a buyback clause, though they don’t specify its exact value.

Meanwhile, previous reports suggest Bennacer’s former club have two other clauses in his contract. A matching clause to allow Arsenal to match any bid Empoli accept for him, and a sell-on clause giving the Gunners 30% of the profits if they decide not to buy him back.

For now, Arsenal haven’t shown a concrete interest in resigning Bennacer, but that should change. The chance to sign a 21-year-old performing this well in one of Europe’s top-five leagues for a cheap price shouldn’t be sniffed at, particularly as Unai Emery’s side are set to lose at least one midfielder (Aaron Ramsey), if not more.

The Algerian international is worth another shot.