Arsenal have been linked with an interest in Benfica’s left-back Alex Grimaldo who also happens to be a target for Barcelona, according to Fichajes.net.
The left-back is a product of the La Masia academy but was allowed to leave in 2016 and since then he’s been with Benfica. Over the years, he’s become a pivotal player for the Portuguese team and as per the rumours, Xavi now wants to bring him back to the club.
Mikel Arteta is also out in the market looking for a new left-back because he wants to add competition for that position and as per the report, the Arsenal boss has asked his scouts to keep tabs on Grimaldo.
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✅Benfica's interest in Bernd Leno should be used by Arsenal to pursue Alex Grimaldo is a player who would be a good signing for Arsenal to solve the full-back issues.#Cho22 pic.twitter.com/klina9ernK— Manna Eliah (@EliahManna) May 31, 2022
Are Arsenal going to challenge Barcelona for the 26-year-old?
The Gunners do need a left-back but they are already being linked with a host of full-backs. They are said to be very close to signing Bolgona’s Aaron Hickey plus they are also interested in City’s Zinchenko.
Even though Arteta is viewing Zinchenko as a midfielder but the Ukrainian can play as a left-back and if Arsenal can bring both these targets on board then they have no need for Alex Grimaldo.
Aaron Hickey’s signing should be wrapped up very soon and even Pep Guardiola has decided to let Zinchenko leave(for the right price). Since the Man City man has just been put up for sale, we expect the Gunners to wrap this one up as well.
Another reason why Alex Grimaldo to Arsenal is not likely to happen is that the Gunners boss wants a backup left-back but this past season, the 26-year-old played in 29 league matches for Benfica.
We highly doubt if he will be ready to play second-fiddle at the Emirates next season and there’s no way Arsenal will be able to guarantee him regular starts next season.
Arsenal being linked with Alex Grimaldo is understandable but there’s a very slim chance that the Premier League side are going to challenge Barcelona in this transfer race.
