Ismaël Bennacer awaits Marseille move as Milan negotiations drag on

Ismaël Bennacer remains in limbo at AC Milan as he continues to wait for an agreement that would allow him to join Olympique de Marseille before the transfer window closes.

The Algerian midfielder has found himself sidelined since the start of the new campaign, excluded from Milan’s plans and effectively placed in the club’s loft.

His lack of involvement in pre-season preparations has only reinforced his uncertain position, leaving him in a state of anticipation while talks with Marseille continue.

Bennacer has made his stance clear throughout the summer: he wants Marseille, and no alternative will suffice. Despite receiving interest from several clubs—including Spain’s Real Betis, Turkey’s Besiktas, Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad and Italy’s Fiorentina—the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner has rejected every approach that did not involve a move to the French side.

The impasse has stretched across the summer, with Milan holding firm on their valuation while Marseille push for more favourable terms.

Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, echoing information initially revealed by DZfoot and subsequently relayed by other outlets such as L’Équipe, Le Parisien and Foot Mercato, confirm that Marseille remain determined to secure the midfielder. Roberto De Zerbi, the Marseille manager, is said to be an admirer of Bennacer and is pressing for the deal to be completed.

Milan, however, are growing increasingly eager to offload the Algerian. Earlier in the summer, the Italian club were demanding a fee between €12m and €15m. But with the Serie A season already underway and time running out, they may now be forced to soften their stance. A loan move with an obligation to buy is being explored as a potential compromise, though this would require Milan to reduce their initial demands.

For Bennacer, the situation has been one of quiet endurance. He has refrained from public comment, keeping both his physical readiness and his state of mind largely unknown.

The 27-year-old had trained in Qatar at the end of last season, but questions remain over his current condition after enduring several challenging campaigns in recent years.

His future at club level is now closely tied to his ambitions with the Algeria national team. With the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers approaching, Bennacer’s form and fitness will be crucial.

The longer the uncertainty around his club career continues, the greater the risk of it affecting his international performances at a critical time.

For both Milan and Marseille, a resolution is becoming increasingly urgent. For Bennacer, it is a matter of liberation—an opportunity to revive his career and rediscover the influence that once made him a key figure for both club and country.

As the days tick down towards the close of the transfer window, all eyes remain on whether Milan and Marseille can finally reach the agreement that will end Bennacer’s summer of waiting.