The San Siro giants have completed the signing of Ismael Bennacer from Empoli for a reported €16 million (£14m/$18m) fee on a five-year contract.
OFFICIAL: Milan confirm the signing of Ismael Bennacer from Empoli pic.twitter.com/uZgQRovxW1
— Milan Eye (@MilanEye) August 4, 2019
The Algeria international was named the Most Valuable Player at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where he helped the Desert Foxes to only their second continental triumph, and the first in 29 years.
Bennacer, who made his debut for Algeria only three years ago and have won only 17 caps, supplied three assists en route picking up the Player of the Tournament award in Le Fennecs’ victorious AFCON campaign.
The former Gunners trainee has joined AC Milan after his former club Arsenal were understood to have refused to take up an option to match the offer made by Milan to Empoli.
Welcome AC Milan, Ismael Bennacer! pic.twitter.com/IE8E3Qedfm
— DZ Football (@DZFootball_en) August 4, 2019
The 21-year-old midfielder joined the Gunners in 2015 but could not make the grade, featuring just once for the first team and was sold to Empoli following a loan spell with Tours.
He made a total of 77 appearances for Empoli, playing a key role in their promotion to the Italian top-flight in 2018, though he was unable to prevent them from being relegated last term.