AC Milan’s Ismaël Bennacer is reportedly drawing strong interest from Spanish side Real Betis as the Andalusian club look to reinforce their midfield ahead of the new season.
The Algerian international appears to be edging towards the exit at San Siro, with the Serie A giants no longer counting on the 26-year-old as a central part of their plans.
As speculation surrounding his future intensifies, Real Betis have emerged as serious contenders for his signature.
According to reports from Mundo Deportivo and transfer specialist Ekrem Konur, Betis have taken concrete steps in their pursuit of the Milan midfielder.
Two top-level executives — general director Ramón Alarcón and sporting director Manu Fajardo — have reportedly been in Milan since Wednesday to initiate talks over a potential transfer.
The push for Bennacer comes amid growing uncertainty in Betis’s own midfield ranks. Brazilian midfielder Johnny Cardoso and veteran Portuguese international William Carvalho are both reportedly close to sealing moves away from the club.
Their potential departures have prompted Betis to act swiftly to avoid a shortage of options in the centre of the pitch.
Bennacer, who joined Milan from Empoli in 2019, has made over 100 appearances for the Rossoneri and was instrumental in their Serie A title-winning campaign in 2021–22. However, a combination of injuries and shifting tactical priorities under successive managers has seen his role diminish in recent months.
Real Betis view the Algerian as an ideal profile to bring both steel and composure to their midfield. His blend of defensive awareness, precise distribution, and ability to dictate tempo has reportedly convinced the Spanish club’s hierarchy that he would be a valuable addition to Manuel Pellegrini’s squad.
The club’s move is described as a calculated and proactive approach, aimed at securing a player of European pedigree before competition intensifies.
With Bennacer still under contract at Milan, negotiations are expected to focus on agreeing a suitable transfer fee, and it remains unclear whether Milan will push for a permanent deal or remain open to a loan arrangement.
For Bennacer, the move to La Liga would present a fresh opportunity to revive his career after a difficult period in Italy. While his talent has never been in question, consistent playing time and a clearly defined role have eluded him over the past season.
A new environment — and the chance to take on a central role in a project like Betis — could be the change of pace he needs.
As talks reportedly continue in Milan, both clubs are believed to be eager to find common ground quickly. With the summer transfer window now in full swing, a resolution may not be far off.
Whether the Algerian playmaker will be wearing green and white by the end of the summer remains to be seen, but Betis have made it clear: they want Bennacer — and they are ready to make their move.
