Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is set to terminate former Arsenal midfielder’s contract this summer
Managers taking charge of new clubs often begin by reviewing the squad and wage structure. Experienced players who no longer feature in long-term plans can be allowed to leave. Early contract terminations create space and free up resources for incoming transfers.
Moves to the Middle East have become increasingly common for players seeking regular football and lucrative deals. Clubs in Europe sometimes facilitate these exits when a player falls down the pecking order. Both sides can benefit from a clean break.
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Ruben Amorim is set to terminate the contract of former Arsenal midfielder Ismael Bennacer at AC Milan. The Algerian international is in advanced talks to join Qatari side Al-Gharafa on a free transfer, with Milan expected to release him from the final year of his deal.
Bennacer spent two seasons at Arsenal after joining from AC Arles-Avignon in 2015. He made just one senior appearance for the Gunners before departing on loan and eventually rebuilding his career in Italy. A move to Milan in 2019 saw him become a Serie A champion and establish himself as a key midfielder.
Injuries and increased competition have limited his role in recent seasons, leading to loan spells at Marseille and Dinamo Zagreb. At 28 he is now looking for a fresh start, and the opportunity in Qatar appears to suit both player and club.
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Ruben Amorim, who was appointed Milan manager last month after his spell at Manchester United, is making the decision as part of his early squad planning. Removing Bennacer from the wage bill allows the Portuguese coach to reshape the midfield according to his own preferences.
Arsenal supporters may recall Bennacer’s brief time at the club as a young prospect who failed to break through. His subsequent success in Italy and with Algeria, including Player of the Tournament at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, showed the talent that was evident during his Hale End days.
The move to Al-Gharafa is expected to be completed before the new season begins. For Milan it represents a practical piece of business under their new manager. Bennacer will hope the switch provides the regular game time that has been harder to find in recent campaigns.
Further confirmation is expected once formalities are completed. The departure of a former Arsenal player from a major European club underlines how careers can take unexpected paths after leaving north London.
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AC Milan
Ismael Bennacer
Ruben Amorim