Arsenal need to strengthen the full-back positions ahead of the next campaign. Both sides of the defence need better strength in depth, with the summer transfer window being the perfect chance to solve this issue.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal's priority is Lisandro Martinez due to the 24-year-old's ability to play at centre-back and left-back. Martinez is reportedly keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium, and Ajax are rumoured to have rejected a bid in the region of £25million.
However, a deal is proving difficult to get over the line. It could be because of this that the Gunners have reportedly made a bid to sign Alex Grimaldo from Benfica.
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According to Portuguese news outlet A Bola, Arsenal have submitted a €7million (£5.9million) bid for the Spanish full-back. The north London side had also been linked to Grimaldo in the past.
Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo had previously reported that Arsenal were interested in signing Grimaldo. But, this interest was registered when Unai Emery was still the Gunners' boss.
The Spanish international has tons of experience and has shown the quality which would also see him compete with Kieran Tierney for a starting spot in the team, instead of just being an understudy to the Scotsman.
A deal could certainly be on the cards as this news came before reports from Portuguese news outlet Record that Benfica need to save €40m (£34m) in wages ahead of the next season, meaning they could offload their best players, which includes Grimaldo.
If a deal for the Spaniard goes through then the arrival of Martinez from Ajax will be highly unlikely. A deal was already difficult as Manchester United have also registered interest in the Argentine with Erik ten Hag potentially being the deciding factor as he previously managed the defender.
The next few weeks will be pivotal for Arsenal in the transfer window as they strive for Champions League football next season. The full-back area is certainly an area that Edu has been targeting in this window.
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