Arsenal have reportedly signed lung French midfielder Ismael Bennacer from Arles-Avignon, according to the Metro.
The 18-year-old had been on the verge of completing a switch to Premier League rivals Manchester City last month (via Daily Mail) only for Arsenal to jump the queue after being impressed by his performances with the France u17 team.
And even though City made him a lucrative offer to join them, L’Equipe claim that The Gunners were able to put together their own deal to take him to The Emirates Stadium instead.
The Metro believe that he will mostly be featuring for Arsenal’s under-21 side, though he could quickly find himself challenging for a first team spot if he impresses over the coming season.
Bennacer is billed as a creative attacking midfielder, and made seven appearances for the Ligue 2 side last term, bagging himself one goal in the process.
Arsenal will pay around £150,000 in compensation for his signature.
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