I joined Arsenal because Man City wouldn't give me a flat after Patrick Vieira chat

Ismael Bennacer admitted he signed for Arsenal after Manchester City refused to get him a flat.

The ex-Gunners academy graduate joined the north London side in 2015 after a 10-year stint with boyhood club Arles in France. He certainly made an impression as a youngster given he was subject to interest from two of the Premier League's biggest clubs.

It was the opportunity to join the Citizens that occurred first for the Algeria international, but he previously admitted that a move to the blue side of Manchester didn't appeal to him due to the vibe he received from the club.

Speaking with Instant Foot in 2024, the AC Milan midfielder, who is currently on loan to Dinamo Zagreb, 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." It was then Arsenal, managed by Arsene Wenger at the time, who won the race for Bennacer's signature.

Despite his rejection of City, Bennacer admitted he was left mesmerised by the club's stellar academy facilities and recalled the conversation he had with Gunners legend Patrick Vieira, who was head of City's academy back then.

The midfielder said: "Their facilities were crazy. Amazing. I spoke with Vieira and everything." While he was impressed by the club's infrastructure, their refusal to set him up in a flat with his sister ultimately led to a deal not being done.

He continued: "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 27-year-old ended up making just one appearance for Arsenal before being sent out on loan to French outfit Tours in 2017. A permanent sale to Empoli came six months later where he established himself as a key player for the Serie A side in the two years he spent there, winning the Serie B title in his debut season.

His impressive performances saw Milan come calling in 2019 and they forked out a reported fee of £14million for his signature. He became a title winner once again with the Rossoneri in 2022, with the Italian giants winning the Scudetto for the first time since 2011.

On the international stage, Bennacer has been a vital member of Algeria since his senior debut in 2016. His starring moment for his nation came in 2019 when they won the Africa Cup of Nations, with Bennacer being named Player of the Tournament.

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