Arsenal have been linked with a January move for Benfica left-back Alejandro Grimaldo, though they are said to face tough competition from four of Europe's biggest clubs.
After allowing Nuno Tavares to leave on a season-long loan to Marseille, the Gunners currently have two first-team players who can play at left-back in Kieran Tierney and summer signing, Oleksandr Zinchenko. The duo have been in fierce competition with each other already this season, with Zinchenko just pipping the Scotsman when both are fit to play.
Nevertheless, Mikel Arteta could benefit by playing both in the same lineup in the future. Part of the Spaniard's long-term intentions for Zinchenko is to field the Ukrainian in midfield, just like he already does with his national team.
READ MORE: Arsenal legend Thierry Henry aims dig at Todd Boehly amid Premier League All-Star idea
As per Calciomercato, Juventus have long been interested in a move for Grimaldo. However, Arsenal, Manchester City, Barcelona (the club where he grew up) and Inter Milan have all gathered information on his present situation in recent months. The Spaniard's contract with Benfica comes to an end in the summer of 2023 and Benfica may prefer to raise a small fee in January rather than lose him for nothing just six months later, with Barcelona also due part of any fee due to a sell-on clause.
That could be ideal for Edu and Arsenal. We know from recent transfer windows that the Brazilian is stringent with the Gunners' spending, so a relatively cheap deal would benefit both clubs. By bringing in the 26-year-old, it could mean quality competition at left-back between him and Tierney. That in turn would free Zinchenko to move into a midfield role on a more permanent basis.
Of course, the long-term plan may be for Tavares to come back from Ligue 1 ready to compete - especially given how well he's started over in France - but Grimaldo's signing would make sense. Whether Arsenal will act on their reported interest remains to be seen.
READ NEXT:
Arsene Wenger breaks silence on shock Arsenal return after Mikel Arteta's former boss plea
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
UEFA confirm new Arsenal vs PSV date as Premier League game vs Man City postponed
Partey recalled, summer signings dropped, Smith Rowe hope - Arsenal changes vs Brentford
Three Arsenal legends nominated for greatest Premier League transfer of all time
