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Algeria international Bennacer joins Empoli from Arsenal

@EmpoliCalcio/Twitter

After languishing behind a glut of first-team midfielders at Arsenal, Algeria international Ismael Bennacer has joined Serie B side Empoli.

The Azzurri announced the signing Monday with a statement on their official website, adding that Bennacer, 19, has enlisted with the Florence side on a four-year deal through 2021 for an undisclosed fee.

The once-capped international failed to make a single first-team appearance for Arsenal after joining the north London side's youth set-up in 2015 from Provence side Arles. Looking for experience, Bennacer then signed a midseason loan move with Tours, where he scored once in 14 appearances for the club.

Empoli was relegated from Italy's top flight after finishing 18th last season, returning to the second tier after a three-year spell in Serie A.

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