Italian outlet TuttoJuve claim Arsenal and Newcastle are interested in bringing Benfica left-back Alejandro Grimaldo to the Premier League this summer – with a bargain fee of just £8.5million required to land the defender in January.
Grimaldo, 26, scored one of the contenders for this season’s Champions League in only the first week. An incredible dipping effort, with a knuckleball-like strike, that helped Benfica beat Israeli side Maccabi Haifa 2-0 at home.
Still only 26, the Spaniard is considered one of the best players outside of Europe’s top five leagues. Certainly, in his position. He has clocked up a huge 259 appearances for Benfica in the last six years, scoring 20, creating 52.
But he is out of contract at the end of the season. Reports in the summer suggested that West Ham and Manchester City were all considering a move. Now, TJ report Juventus, Arsenal and Newcastle want Grimaldo.
Given his contract situation, TJ report that Benfica could be willing to accept a bargain-bin price for Grimaldo. Something below the figure of £8.5million – given it is the last opportunity to rake in some cash for his signature.
Arsenal and Newcastle interested in Grimaldo: £8.5m bargain fee
So – Grimaldo is said to have interest from four Premier League clubs. But which one is the best move for his career? Firstly, Arsenal do not need him. They have Kieran Tierney and Oleksandar Zinchenko. Nuno Tavares, too.
He is at Marseille on a dry loan – and is shining. He could still return and have an impact at The Emirates. Manchester City need a left-back, especially after losing Zinchenko. But Joao Cancelo is easily first choice.
Newcastle also boast a left-back in Matty Targett and while he is sold, Grimaldo is an enormous improvement. West Ham have just signed Emerson Palmieri. So, his best move right now, is Newcastle.
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