‘I joined Arsenal instead of Man City because I didn’t want to sleep at their academy'

Former Arsenal starlet Ismael Bennacer has revealed that he had the opportunity to sign for Manchester City, but declined their offer as they wanted him to sleep at their academy.

The Algerian international joined the Gunners in 2015, but only made a single appearance before moving to Italy in 2017. He then found great success with Empoli, and later, AC Milan.

The 26-year-old spoke about his chance to join City, stating that he “wasn’t feeling it” upon visiting their facilities. He recounted a conversation with Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, who was then the the Blues’ academy chief.

Speaking to Instant Foot, Bennacer explained how both clubs were interested in him and what ultimately influenced his decision. The Milan ace said: “(City) called me and told me ‘We want you to be with the reserves’ and everything. It’s City, man. I was ready. They told me ‘Come see the facilities’ – so I did. I got there, I don’t know, I wasn’t feeling it.”

Bennacer admitted being impressed by City’s state-of-the-art facilities but expressed concerns over the club’s plans for him. He also mentioned that City were hesitant to allow him his own living arrangements, reports the Mirror.

“Their facilities were crazy. Amazing. I spoke with Vieira and everything,” he said. “I liked the talk we had, but the fact they wanted me at the academy to sleep there… I wanted a flat. I wanted my sister to come with me. That’s why I dropped City. Then there was Arsenal towards the end of July.”

The midfielder later cashed in on his early promise by winning titles in Italy. After winning Serie B with Empoli, he then clinched the coveted Serie A title with AC Milan in May 2022 after signing for the club in a €16million deal.

Bennacer also triumphed in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019 and was even named Player of the Tournament. Although his time at Arsenal didn’t yield a first-team breakthrough, he told Sport Bible in December 2023 how it laid the foundations for his success.

“At Arsenal, my goal wasn’t to play in the reserve team but the first team,” he said. “I wasn’t given that opportunity but it was a positive experience that helped me in my career.”

Sharing his thoughts that both clubs share an ethos, Bennacer claims he has unfinished business with Milan. However he also hinted at the possibility of rejoining the Gunners some day.

“It’s ‘true’ that Arsenal are among the clubs close to my heart,” he said. “Arsenal and Milan have many similarities in terms of the organisation and the fact they are family clubs.

“The Premier League is a very big competition and anyone would want to play there. But Milan is also a massive club and I feel very, very happy here. I’m someone who always likes to have targets for the future, but there are lots of things I still want to achieve with Milan. We’ll see.”