Arsenal are said to be one of the Premier League clubs keeping tabs on Benfica defender Alex Grimaldo, according to reports.
The 26-year-old is said to be available for as little as £6million this summer and several top-flight clubs are looking to pounce.
Mikel Arteta is eager to reinforce his defensive line ahead of the 2022-2023 campaign and has reportedly reached out to Grimaldo’s representatives.
Arsenal are eager to sign a defender during the summer transfer window to provide cover for Kieran Tierney at left-back.
Arsenal’s late season issues came to the fore when Tierney was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, with Mikel Arteta having to use players out of position.
Arsenal have been in talks with Lisandro Martinez, but their potential deal is likely to fall through. Therefore, they have reportedly turned their attention to Grimaldo.
Portuguese newspaper Record have said that the Gunners have already reached out to the player’s representatives over a potential deal.
As it stands, Grimaldo has one year left on his current deal with Benfica. Therefore, the Portuguese side could be eager to sell him this summer to avoid losing him for free next year.
This is not the first time Arsenal have registered an interest in the Benfica defender. They previously monitored his situation at Benfica in February 2019.
Arsenal were in need of a younger alternative at left back – as their first choice option, Nacho Monreal, was turning 33 at the end of the transfer window.
They felt Grimaldo would be a good option. However, they were not alone in their pursuit and faced competition from Manchester City, Napoli, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid.
However, Grimaldo decided to stay at Benfica – completing the 2019-2020 and 2021-2022 campaign in Portugal.