Arsenal want Ajex Grimaldo and are hoping to use Benfica’s stay in England to try and thrash out a deal for the Spaniard.
The Gunners have welcomed Kieran Tierney back from injury this summer, but then seen him pick up another injury blow.
Nuno Tavares just isn’t good enough for the Premier League and Arsenal seem to be in the market for another left back.
Ajax star Lisandro Martinez has been the top target, aided by the fact that he can also play as a centre back if needed.
That deal now looks very difficult with Manchester United keen, so Arsenal could look elsewhere.
Arsenal want Alex Grimaldo
The latest name in the frame is Benfica ace Grimaldo, who is now into the final 12 months of his contract with Benfica.
Grimaldo has been training alone having refused to sign a new deal, and the expectation is that he will be sold this summer.
Grimaldo, 26, has racked up nearly 250 appearances for Benfica since joining from Barcelona back in 2016.
The Spaniard could be a bargain signing for Arsenal but he doesn’t quite have the same versatility as Martinez in terms of playing as a left-sided centre back.
Grimaldo is only two inches shorter than Martinez though so maybe Mikel Arteta thinks he can convert Grimaldo.
That would be a gamble, with Grimaldo better known for his attacking prowess having racked up 19 goals and 50 assists for Benfica.
Still, A Bola report that Arsenal want to take advantage of Benfica being in England right now as they chase a Grimaldo deal.
Benfica have been training at St George’s Park in Burton in recent days as part of their pre-season preparations.
That means Benfica officials will be in England until Thursday and Arsenal will try to thrash out a deal in the coming days.
Benfica want €10million (£8.5million) for Grimaldo, which is much, much cheaper than the fee Ajax are seeking for Martinez.
That will of course make Grimaldo very appealing to Arsenal and this week could prove to be vital in any Gunners deal.
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