Arsenal were on the hunt for a new left-back ahead of the Premier League campaign in the summer transfer window. It was an area of weakness last season, and Edu had to solve the issue in the transfer market.
He did this by signing Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City for a reported £30million fee. The Ukrainian has been exceptional since coming into Mikel Arteta’s side, however, there has been a concerning issue with his injury problems. After missing back-to-back games earlier in the season against Fulham and Aston Villa, the new signing has also suffered another injury going into the September international break.
With Kieran Tierney also a left-back in the squad who consistently struggles with injuries, it is not good to have your best choices in that position both being ruled out of matches on a regular basis. This potentially explains Arsenal’s reported interest in Benfica full-back Alex Grimaldo.
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Since the 2019/2020 season, Zinchenko has suffered 12 injuries that have caused him to miss matches for Manchester City and now Arsenal. In that time, Tierney has suffered 6 injuries which have been more serious than Zinchenko’s but both stars’ injury records should be a worry for the Gunners.
The Gunners’ reported interest in Grimaldo is certainly vindicated. According to Italian news outlet Calciomercato, Arsenal are interested in the Spanish defender but face competition from Manchester City. The report goes on to say that the 26-year-old is out of contract in June 2023 and Benfica could consider in January.
This report follows on from the summer when Portuguese news outlet A Bola, claimed that Arsenal had submitted a €7million (£6million) bid for the Spanish full-back. The north London side had also been linked to Grimaldo in the past.
Grimaldo came through the ranks at La Masia before making 92 appearances for Barcelona B. He would then move on to Benfica where has gone on to make 249 appearances for the Portuguese side and has impressively contributed with 50 assists since his move.
The 26-year-old also has the versatility to his game as he can also be utilised as a winger, where he has also played on numerous occasions for Benfica last season. This highlights his impressive attacking ability because he is able to play further up the field which would be useful for Arsenal going forward.
Arsenal had already signed a full-back from Benfica in the previous summer transfer window after Tavares joined the club for a £7million fee. Despite an impressive start to life in north London, Tavares gradually showed his defensive vulnerability and inexperience in the position.
Grimaldo would certainly be a cheap and useful option. If Tierney and Zinchenko‘s injury woes continue then a transfer for the Spanish international should certainly be explored.
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