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Man City boss Guardiola has transfer plan to make ex-Arsenal ace David Silva's replacement
Manchester City have wasted no time in identifying David Silva's replacement as Pep Guardiola has made an ex-Arsenal ace a summer transfer target.
Ismael Bennacer showcases impressive skills for Empoli
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has made AC Milan star Ismael Bennacer a summer transfer target as the Spaniard looks to find an immediate replacement for the outgoing David Silva. Bennacer is having an impressive debut season at Milan, having signed from Empoli for a reported £14.5million last summer.
The youngster is a box-to-box midfielder and while he is for the most part being played in a defensive position for Milan, the Algeria international has excellent attacking talents.
According to FootMercato, Guardiola has been following the Bennacer for a long time and has already opened a dialogue with the player's representatives.
Bennacer has emerged as a possible replacement for Silva and the 22-year-old is not be opposed to returning to the Premier League.
He is a product of the Arsenal academy but only made one appearance for the Gunners' first-team when he came on as a substitute in a League Cup game.
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Bennacer had a six-month loan spell at Ligue 2 side Tours before being sold to Empoli in the summer of 2017.
He helped them clinch the Serie B title in his debut season and then his impressive performances in Serie A saw him seal a move to the San Siro.
However, City are not along in tracking the progress of Bennacer, as Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping tabs on the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations player of the tournament.
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The report claims Bennacer would be open to a return to the Premier League on two requirements.
Firstly, City would need to be successful with their appeal of UEFA's European competition ban, with a three-day hearing set to take place from June 8 to June 10.
Bennacer would also want some guarantees that he will get enough playing time to allow him to continue his development.
As for Silva, the 34-year-old is out of contract at the end of next month.
However, according to ESPN, the Spaniard will agree to a short-term contract extension so he can see out the remainder of the season.
And while an official agreement will not be announced until a plan for completing the Premier League season has been put in place, the publication claims that Silva is willing to stay.
The veteran playmaker is particularly keen to add a Champions League trophy to his cabinet - as it is one of the few pieces of silverware he hasn't yet won.
City beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 matches, with the second leg set to take place at the Etihad when the competition resumes.