Milan identify Serie A midfield replacement in case of Bennacer departure | OneFootball

Milan have reportedly lined up a potential midfield target with just a few hours of the January transfer window remaining in preparation for the possibility of Ismael Bennacer leaving for Marseille.

According to reports on deadline day, Bennacer already has an agreement on personal terms with Olympique de Marseille, currently coached by Roberto De Zerbi, but the Rossoneri are unwilling to let him leave without a replacement lined up.

The Ligue 1 outfit have reportedly offered to sign the Algeria international on a loan deal until the end of the season for around €1m with a conditional obligation to buy for around €10m in the summer.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 03: Ismael Bennacer of AC Milan runs with the ball during the Italian Super Cup Semi-Final match between AC Milan and Juventus at Al Awwal Park on January 03, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

Milan identify Bennacer replacement at Monza

While Milan previously appeared reluctant to let Bennacer go before the January transfer deadline at 23.00 GMT on Monday night, reports in Italy suggest they have identified a potential replacement in case the Marseille deal does go through.

As per reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Milan are considering a move for Monza’s Warren Bondo as a potential replacement for Bennacer.

LECCE, ITALY – APRIL 27: Warren Bondo of Monza applauds after the Serie A TIM match between US Lecce and AC Monza at Stadio Via del Mare on April 27, 2024 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Monza are reportedly requesting a €15m fee to sell Bondo before the January transfer deadline, according to updates from Gianluigi Longari.

The 21-year-old midfielder is currently tied to a contract that runs until the summer of 2027 with Monza.