Arsenal have reportedly inquired about Benfica’s left-back Grimaldo as Manchester United move forward in the race for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez.
Mikel Arteta is looking for cover on the left back for injury-prone Kieran Tierney, with Nuno Tavares struggling while replacing him last season.
Ajax’s Martinez is a primary target for the North London club, who allegedly regard the versatile defender primarily as a left-back, but the Gunners face strong competition from Manchester United for the player’s signature.
Although Arsenal have submitted three bids for the Argentine international, recent reports have indicated United are now the strong favorites to sign Martinez.
The 24-year-old is said to be keen on a meeting with Erik ten Hag, who played for Ajax at the bottom.
Now, the Portuguese publication Record reports that Arsenal have made contact with Benfica and Grimaldo’s representatives over a move for the left back.
The 26-year-old is a graduate of Barcelona’s academy and has been with Benfica since 2016.
The report states that the Portuguese club will seek a fee of between £ 6-7 million for the player, although Arsenal feel that the fee is high.
It is said that Benfica have considered letting Grimaldo go for free as his relationship with the club was not good and due to the expiration of his contract in 2023.
Meanwhile, the Gunners will soon announce the arrival of Gabriel Jesus, after the striker was pictured at the Emirates Stadium earlier this week.
The Gunners have agreed a £ 45m deal to sign Manchester City’s Brazilian player.
MORE: Paul Merson predicts ‘trouble’ for Mikel Arteta as Arsenal ‘fail again’ next season
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