He was sold by Arsene Wenger for just £850k but now former Arsenal star is set for transfer switch to European giants

Add as preferred source on Google

It’s been a frustrating transfer window for Arsenal, and an imminent move for a former player may only exacerbate these frustrations.

The Gunners have failed to recruit a forward, despite a glaring need to do so due to injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.

Mathys Tel was a target for Arsenal, although the Frenchman is now set to join Tottenham.

Meanwhile, moves for Ollie Watkins, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko didn’t materialise.

In spite of Arsenal thrashing Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon, it’s likely to be an uncomfortable week for the club as they face backlash from supporters for their inability to act in the market.

Former Arsenal player Ismael Bennacer on the verge of Marseille move

Amid fan anger, a player Arsenal let go for almost nothing is now set for a major move, which won’t cool the fire already burning around the Emirates.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Ismael Bennacer is set to sign for Marseille on loan, with an option to buy for €10 million.

Bennacer has agreed to the switch, which will likely end his five and a half year stay at AC Milan.

The defensive midfielder has made 178 appearances for the Italian giants, scoring eight goals.

Born in France, the move will see him return to familiar surroundings, joining a club he grew up in close vicinity to.

• READ MORE: Arsenal ace sold for just £4m now set for deadline day transfer to the Championship

Arsene Wenger sold Ismael Bennacer for £850k

Starting his career at Arles, Arsenal scouted Bennacer as a youngster, and brought him to England when he was 17.

Spending time at the Hale End Academy, Bennacer made just one first-team appearance for the Gunners, before leaving the club after failing to make an impact at senior level.

Arsene Wenger sanctioned the midfielder’s departure for Empoli a fee in the region of £850,000 in 2017.

He’s since gone on to earn a move to Milan, make over 200 appearances in Serie A and garner 50 caps for the Algerian national team.

Arsenal were even said to be interested in Bennacer last year, and were considering spending £43 million on him.

While talented players can slip from a club’s grasp, Arsenal will be particularly disappointed with how they let a prospect of such obvious talent leave for so little.