Arsenal could shift their focus to Benfica left-back Alejandro Grimaldo as they are now at risk of losing out on Lisandro Martinez.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Man United are now picking up the pace to sign the Ajax defender and this is a cause of concern for Mikel Arteta because according to some reports, Martinez is keen to join MUFC over Arsenal.
He wrote on Twitter: “Manchester United are preparing a bid for Lisandro MartÃnez. He’s very high in Erik ten Hag’s list, race open with Arsenal that have no intention to give up.
“Once Malacia deal will be signed and official, Man Utd will be on it – while Arsenal are still pushing.”
Manchester United are preparing a bid for Lisandro MartÃnez. He’s very high in Erik ten Hag’s list, race open with Arsenal that have no intention to give up. 🚨🇦🇷 #MUFC
Once Malacia deal will be signed and official, Man Utd will be on it – while Arsenal are still pushing. pic.twitter.com/sk76B3weRy
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 1, 2022
Arsenal to shift their focus to Alex Grimaldo?
The Gunners had tried to sign Alejandro Grimaldo back in 2019 but a high release clause meant they could not get hands on the left-back.
Portuguese outlet Record is claiming that Arsenal are currently keeping an eye on Grimaldo because he has only one more year left on his current deal with Benfica.
As per the report, Benfica will accept around €7m for the 26-year-old which means he can be the ideal backup for Kieran Tierney next season.
Arteta’s primary focus is still on Lisandro Martinez but we doubt if the Ajax man will want to play as a backup player and that too as a full-back.
Going after someone like Alex Grimaldo will make much more sense because the Benfica man will not only be a great backup defender but can also challenge Tierney for a place in the first XI.
Last season, he played in 29 league games for Benfica and ended up scoring five and assisting five goals and at just €7-9m, he can be the perfect bargain buy for Arsenal this summer.
Arsenal won’t give up the chase of Lisandro Martinez until they get him or they are sure Manchester United are signing him and until then, Mikel Arteta won’t make any sort of formal move for Alex Grimaldo.
