Alejandro Grimaldo has reportedly emerged as a viable target for Arsenal and Chelsea, with his contract at Benfica winding down.
According to Fichajes, Arsenal and Chelsea are among many clubs keen on signing Benfica defender Alejandro Grimaldo. The 27-year-old Spanish left-back’s contract expires in 2023, which could see him get a move in January.
Alejandro Grimaldo was one of the players mentioned as a credible target for a few top clubs in the summer. The reasons behind the 27-year-old Spanish left-back staying put at Benfica remain unknown. But he could be back on the market when the January window opens.
He is primarily a left-back, but he does take up positions in midfield and on the wings, depending on how the manager wants to play. Overall, Grimaldo is the kind of versatile star top clubs are vying for in the current market.
Benfica manager Roger Schmidt recently expressed his desire to see the 27-year-old Spanish left-back extend his stay but left the decision up to the player. As things stand, there are no indications he could remain in Portugal as several high-profile sides are circling for his signature.
Juventus and Barcelona are among some of the clubs keen. But Chelsea and Arsenal are considering the 27-year-old Spanish left-back in January, as he would be available on a cut-price deal. If the Premier League does not interest him, then Italy or Spain could also represent a chance for him to play in a big league.
However, the lure of the Premier League has proved difficult to turn down for many players, which may well be the case with Grimaldo. Arsenal are reportedly considering bringing him to the Emirates. The report insists that Benfica’s playing style is similar to that of Mikel Arteta’s, hence a move would make sense.
The Gunners were interested in Grimaldo before they signed Oleksandr Zinchenko. Considering Arteta has the Ukrainian international, Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu for the left-back role, it is difficult to see them going for another defender of a similar profile.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are reportedly keen as the club are seeking a player to compete with summer signing Marc Cucurella. The former Brighton & Hove Albion defender has not had the best of starts at the club and could do with some competition.
The competition part seems credible, but Chelsea already have Ben Chilwell in the position. It makes no sense to bring in another left-sided defender considering the Blues have requirements in other areas.
As for Grimaldo, he does represent a big chance for clubs to get a good player on their hands. Whether the links to Arsenal and Chelsea are credible remains to be seen. The 27-year-old Spanish left-back will likely leave Benfica in the upcoming window. And Newcastle United might be one of the clubs interested in him.
