Arsenal set their sights on Benfica fullback
Arsenal have their eye set on Benfica Left back Alex Grimaldo after missing out on Scottish Left Back Aaron Hickey to Brentford.
A report from Portugal has claimed the Gunners have made contacts with the player and will soon step up their efforts to sign him
Jornal do Noticias – via Sport Witness – claim Arsenal have stepped up their efforts to land Grimaldo as Arteta wants competition for Tierney.
A €7m offer (around £6m) is apparently expected for him .
This is an amount which ‘pleases’ Benfica and would be enough to convince them into selling.
Any deal happening would then depend on Grimaldo accepting the move, added the report.
Grimaldo has been of the best Primeira Liga’s best player over the past few seasons.
He has bagged 14 goals and 40 assists from 143 top flight appearances for Benfica in Primeira Liga.
In his most recent season, Grimaldo provided 10 goal contributions in just 28 appearances.
Given Kieran Tierney is first choice at Arsenal, the addition of Grimaldo will be only as backup.
And for around £6m, Mikel Arteta would be getting himself a talented, experienced player.
Indeed, Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola was apparently eyeing Grimaldo last summer.
And now, Arsenal could potentially land him for a mere £6m – sounds like a bargain.