Arsenal will receive £4.35m from Empoli as their sell-on fee now that Ismael Bennacer has been sold to AC Milan (hello, Ivan!) for £14.5m.

Arsenal sold Ismael Bennacer in the summer of 2017 to Empoli for £900k. In that contract they had both a 30% sell-on clause and a buy-back option.

Although it was reported that Arsenal considered activating that option, especially after Bennacer starred at this summer’s Africa Cup of Nations, they clearly declined as he’s now at AC Milan.

Speaking after he left, Bennacer admitted he had no regrets over his decision to leave Arsenal and spoke of the buy-back option.

“I only have positive things to say about my time at Arsenal,” Bennacer said.

“I was able to continue my development at a very structured club. It allowed me to have a professional formation and I needed that step. I regret nothing from my time there. I learned a lot. I just knew I needed to leave as I didn’t have my spot in the first-team.”

He then told Foot Mercato, “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.

“But after that, I did not want to take chances and waste more time. I wanted to play 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 made only one appearance for Arsenal but featured 77 times for Empoli, scoring two and assisting seven.

At the AFCON this summer he played in every game of Algeria’s championship winning run, scoring three and was named Player of the Tournament.

In just two short years, Bennacer has dragged himself from unwanted Arsenal reserve to AC Milan player and international star.

It’s no wonder he has no regrets, but you have to wonder  – do Arsenal?