Arsenal have reportedly made an enquiry to sign 26-year-old Spanish full-back Alex Grimaldo from Benfica this summer.
According to Portuguese outlet Record, as relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal are interested in signing Benfica’s 26-year-old left-back Alex Grimaldo. The Gunners are eager to strengthen their left-back department and have thus made an enquiry for the Spanish defender.
A former Barcelona and Valencia academy ace, Grimaldo moved to Benfica in 2016 and has since been with the Portuguese side. In 247 appearances for them, he has scored 19 goals and provided 50 assists, but his relationship with the club has reportedly deteriorated recently.
With just a year remaining on his contract, Benfica have been thinking of letting Grimaldo go on a free next summer. But the Spanish left-back has attracted interest from multiple clubs, including the likes of Barcelona and Newcastle United. And Arsenal have now stepped in to explore the possibility of signing the 26-year-old this summer.
The Gunners, as per the report, have registered an enquiry with Benfica and the player’s representatives over a summer move. The Portuguese giants are holding out for €7-8 million for Grimaldo, but Arsenal think the amount to be ‘high’.
With reports claiming Benfica were ready to let him go for free next season, the Gunners are wondering if spending the amount would be a wise decision. But Mikel Arteta is keen to add depth to the left-back department, so a summer move to Arsenal cannot be ruled out.
Arteta and Grimaldo are believed to be represented by the same firm, Wasserman, which could facilitate a possible deal for the 26-year-old Spanish defender. Arsenal signed a left-back from Benfica last year as well, as Nuno Tavares joined them in an €8 million deal.
Also Read: Fabio Vieira: An elegant Arsenal signing or just a Martin Odegaard backup?
Arteta also has Kieran Tierney at his disposal for the left-back slot, but he has struggled with fitness recently. This is perhaps why the north Londoners are keen to add another player in the position, which would help them with their UEFA Europa League commitments as well. The Gunners have so far signed three players this summer in Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner and Marquinhos.
