Arsenal are back in the race for their former player Ismael Bennacer, according to reports in Italy.

Last week, reports suggested Bennacer to AC Milan was a ‘done deal’. Di Marzio reporter Fabrizio Romano claimed the midfielder had agreed to a five-year contract, moving for €16m plus €1m in add-ons, and Arsenal had turned the transfer down.

New reports from Italy (via Football-Italia) suggest this isn’t the case. The suggestion is that personal terms are causing Milan’s move to break down, as they’re only offering €1.5m per year – less than €30,000 a week.

Arsenal, who have a matching clause to purchase Bennacer for the same price as agreed with any other club, have reportedly offered better wages, as have Borussia Dortmund.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see Arsenal’s interest in Bennacer renewed. The midfielder has been excellent for Algeria during the Africa Cup of Nations, winning the player of the group stage award and helping them to a number of vital victories.

The 21-year-old also had a strong season in Serie A, and with Aaron Ramsey’s departure, he could make a shrewd addition to next season’s squad.

If Arsenal don’t complete the deal, they have a 30% sell-on clause in Bennacer’s contract. It seems this saga is set to drag on for a while longer.