Arsenal are interested in re-signing Ismael Bennacer from AC Milan, according to a couple of reports from Italy that don’t seem to be going away.

Italian journalist Carlo Laudisa reported (via MilanNews) at the start of the month that Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool all have Ismael Bennacer in their sights.

AC Milan are looking to renew the midfielder’s contract, which expires in 2024, but the player wants more than his club are offering. The renewal process is said to be an “economic battle”, which presumably benefits the richer Premier League clubs.

Daniele Longo confirmed that Chelsea and Arsenal are interested in Bennacer, though they’re yet to organise talks to sign him.

At the moment, Longo reports that Bennacer is prioritising further negotiations on a new contract with Milan. But it seems the London clubs are lurking on the sidelines, ready to pounce if anything goes wrong.

Arsenal initially signed Bennacer in 2015, quickly giving him his first-team debut in the League Cup at the age of 17. But that ended up being the midfielder’s only appearance for the Gunners’ first team.

Bennacer signed for Empoli in Serie B, winning promotion and playing a campaign in Serie A before he caught the attention of AC Milan.

In three-and-a-half seasons since then, Bennacer has established himself as a key player for Milan, making 126 appearances.

But perhaps the time is right for a return to London. Bennacer has proven himself as a player, his contract is running down, Arsenal are playing better than they have for a long while, and the Gunners need midfield additions.

It just might all add up.