Arsenal have reportedly identified Alejandro Grimaldo as an alternative to Lisandro Martinez if Manchester United pip the Gunners to signing the Ajax defender.
Martinez is the Gunners' priority defensive transfer target this summer and are locked in a bidding war with United, yet neither side have met Ajax's £43million asking price so far. Mikel Arteta sees the 24-year-old playing more as a left back rather than a centre-back due to his ability on the ball and physical stature.
Erik ten Hag wants Martinez at Old Trafford next season and United are considered to be in 'pole position' to sign the Argentina international this summer. Reports from Portugal suggest the Gunners have identified Benfica's Grimaldo as a potential alternative to Martinez should the Argentine defender chooses to move to Manchester ahead of north London.
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According to Portuguese outlet Record, Arsenal have enquired about the availability of Grimaldo this summer as their transfer battle for Martinez continues. The future of Nuno Tavares is also a factor that has led to Arsenal pursuing a new left-back this summer, with the Portuguese defender linked with a loan move to Ligue 1 after a difficult campaign last season.
The Gunners were linked with a move for Grimaldo back in 2019, but the Spaniard's long-term deal and £60million release clause saw the north Londoners opt for Kieran Tierney instead. However, it seems a deal could potentially be back on three years later as Arsenal search for defensive reinforcements.
Grimaldo only has one year left on his current deal with the Portuguese outfit, with Benfica setting an asking price of around €7m according to Record. The 26-year-old was a part of Barcelona's youth system before signing for the Eagles back in 2016, registering 50 assists in 247 appearances.
Grimaldo represents a cheaper alternative to Martinez if Arsenal are to miss out on their main defensive target with the Spaniard playing a key role in Benfica's impressive Champions League run last season. The Portuguese side have already let go of prized asset Darwin Nunez this summer after the Uruguayan made the £85million move to Liverpool, and could be set to lose another star player before the transfer deadline.
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