Arsenal were reportedly offered the chance to sign Benfica left-back Alejandro Grimaldo in the summer transfer window, confirms Fabrizio Romano. The Gunners however opted to instead go for the signing of Oleksander Zinchenko from Manchester City to fix their issues in that position.
Ex-Arsenal Target Alejandro Grimaldo Attracting Transfer Interest
🚨 EXCLUSIVE 🚨
Arsenal were offered the chance to sign Alejandro Grimaldo in the summer but had another priority 🔴
Now another top club has sent scouts to keep an eye on him 👀
Full story 👇👇
— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) November 2, 2022
Arsenal Opted to Sign Zinchenko Over Grimaldo
When Mikel Arteta’s side was seeking a new left-back to solve their problems, with Kieran Tierney struggling with injuries and the on-loan Nuno Tavares perhaps not yet ready for the Premier League, they were offered the chance to sign the Spanish full-back.
Read More: Gabriel Magalhaes Signs New Arsenal Contract
However, Romano claims that they instead went on to focus on the signing of Zinchenko, who they had deemed a priority target for the summer. The 27-year-old Grimaldo has gone on to have a pretty solid season following his move to Benfica. He has 3 goal contributions in 5 Champions League games, including one in the 4-3 win over Juventus, which helped his side secure a place in the knockout stages over the Serie A giants.
Grimaldo Attracting Attention From Top European Sides
Romano adds that after his impressive start to the season, the Spanish full-back is now attracting a lot of attention from major European clubs. He is considered a ‘big opportunity’ in the transfer market due to his contract with Benfica expiring next summer, after which he will become a free agent unless the two parties are able to agree on a contract extension.
That is why the former-Barcelona man might be available for a relatively cheap fee in the January transfer window. Juventus, the side who felt the wrath of his power in the Champions League group stages, have also sent their scouts to follow his development over the last few months according to Romano. Newcastle United are another club that have been linked to the Spaniard in recent months.
Read More: Arsenal Could Sign New Midfielder in January Transfer Window
However, Romano confirms that no club has yet started negotiations with the left-back’s representatives over a possible move. The Spaniard is a product of Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy and made over 90 appearances for their B side. Grimaldo has made 269 appearances for Benfica so far, scoring 21 goals and providing 54 assists.
Oitavos de final!!!! 🙌🏼 @ChampionsLeague 🙌🏼 @SLBenfica 🦅 #SLBJUV #UCL #EuAmoOBenfica pic.twitter.com/l3QZJOAsOw
— Alejandro Grimaldo (@grimaldo35) October 25, 2022
