Arsenal are expected to make a €7 million offer to Benfica for left-back Alex Grimaldo as the Portuguese side could be forced to consider a cut-price deal.
According to Jornal do Noticias (h/t Sport Witness), Arsenal are set to accelerate the signing of Alex Grimaldo. The north London side are expected to make a €7 million offer which Benfica may consider as the left-back has only one year left on his deal.
After over six years in Portugal, Grimaldo is keen to take the next step in his career, and Arsenal are showing serious interest. The left-back has less than one year left on his deal with Benfica, which may force the Portuguese club to consider a cut-price offer. A €7 million bid is expected from the Gunners in the coming days.
The 26-year-old had a fantastic 2021/22 season with Benfica and is regarded as one of their best performers. However, Grimaldo has refused to extend his deal with the club, which has seen Arsenal consider making a move.
Benfica originally wanted over €7.5 million, but with the player’s contractual situation, they could consider the €7 million offer from Arsenal. The 26-year-old remains eager to prove himself in another top league and could see England as the best place to further his career.
If the Gunners sign the Spaniard, Nuno Tavares could be allowed to leave on loan, with the likes of Marseille, Atalanta, and Real Sociedad vying for his signature. Grimaldo would provide solid competition to Kieran Tierney in the left-back position.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had wanted Lisandro Martinez to take up such a role in the squad. The Argentine is proficient as a central defender and at left-back. However, there is a growing feeling Manchester United may outbid Arsenal to sign the Ajax star, and hence the Gunners have switched their attention to Grimaldo.
The Spaniard has put on noteworthy performances warranting a move to a big club. At Arsenal, he may cherish the competition with Tierney as Arteta looks to build a strong side that can challenge for honours.
Whether he fits in a similar way to how Arteta envisaged Martinez remains to be seen. However, profile-wise, Grimaldo can fit into Arsenal’s project and could be the ideal backup to Tierney, possibly pushing the Scotsman to up his game further.
