Empoli midfielder Ismael Bennacer has left the door open to a future return to Arsenal.

Bennacer left the Gunners for the Serie B club in a permanent deal last summer.

But he told Foot Mercato: "According to Arsène Wenger, there were many players in midfield at the club. I know I could have claimed a place, even if it's difficult.

"But after that, I did not want to take chances and waste more time. I wanted to play and consistently. Who knows, maybe one day I will go back to Arsenal through the front door.

"There are several clauses in my contract. So there is a possibility that I will go back to Arsenal. Everything will depend on my evolution."