Arsenal want Alex Grimaldo and have now entered into talks with Benfica over a potential deal to sign the Spaniard this summer.
It has become clear that, for the second summer in a row, Arsenal are in the market for a new left back.
Arsenal signed Nuno Tavares from Benfica last summer but his struggles in the second half of the season mean he just isn’t cut out to be Kieran Tierney’s understudy.
Tierney’s injury issues mean that Arsenal need another option there.
Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez has been the top target but with a deal now looking unlikely, Arsenal are turning their attention elsewhere.
Arsenal want Alex Grimaldo
The new name in the frame is Benfica ace Grimaldo, whose contract expires in the summer of 2023.
Grimaldo has now been left to train on his own having refused to sign a new deal and it looks like Benfica will cash in this summer.
90Min now claim that Arsenal have opened talks with Benfica in an effort to lure Grimaldo to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have submitted a bid of £6million but Benfica, according to reports in Portugal, are seeking a deal worth around £8.5million.
Even if Arsenal meet the asking price, that’s still a fraction of the fee expected for Ajax star Martinez.
Grimaldo, 26, is thought to be represented by the same agency as Mikel Arteta and that could now help Arsenal secure a deal.
Grimaldo is a fine attacking left back and racked up six goals as well as nine assists in 47 games for Benfica last season.
The Spaniard isn’t great defensively though and certainly doesn’t offer the versatility Martinez provides.
Martinez can also play as a central defender, meaning he would be ideal competition for both Gabriel Magalhaes and Kieran Tierney on the left side of Arsenal’s defence.
Grimaldo can’t really do that though, meaning he is a very different player to Martinez.
Still, at such a cheap price, Grimaldo may be too good for Arsenal to pass up and a deal is now in the works.
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