Arsenal could deal big blow to West Ham as report claims Mikel Arteta eyes £6.5 million star as fifth summer signing

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal look to be in a strong position to beat West Ham to the signing of Benfica left-back Alex Grimaldo this summer.

Correio da Manha (print edition July 7th, page 13) claim that Arsenal are set to bid for the 26-year-old left-back in the coming days.

READ…Big knock-on effect for West Ham as Arsenal allegedly make £47m bid for ‘unstoppable’ star

Both the Hammers and the Gunners desperately need to sign a top-class left-back this summer.

West Ham man Aaron Cresswell is 32 now and regressed during the second half of last season, whilst Arsenal ace Kieran Tierney is far too injury prone.

Alex Grimaldo is a top-class left-back and would be a tremendous addition for either West Ham or Arsenal.

Unfortunately for us though, it seems as though the Gunners are ready to make the first move…

Arsenal eye Grimaldo summer signing

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is ‘insistent’ on signing Alex Grimaldo this summer and Benfica will demand only €7.5 million (£6.5 million) for his signature according to Correio da Manha (print edition July 7th, page 13).

And if they beat the Hammers to the signing of the 26-year-old left-back, it will be a big blow for David Moyes.

Grimaldo is an attacking left-back in every sense and has bagged 19 goals and 50 assists in 247 games for Benfica (Transfermarkt).

Benfica sporting director Tiago Pinto recently suggested that ‘world-class’ Grimaldo is good enough to play for any team in world football, as quoted by Be Soccer:

“For me, Grimaldo is one of the best five left-backs in Europe. Many Benfica players are ready to, some day, play in a world class team. Grimaldo is good enough to play for any side right now.”

Grimaldo would be an exceptional summer signing for either West Ham or Arsenal.

It could be argued that the Hammers actually need him more than the Gunners do.

For just £6.5 million, the Spaniard will be one of the bargains of the summer transfer window.

And if Arsenal secure the summer signing of Alex Grimaldo, it will very much be their gain and our loss.

READ other West Ham news:

Great news for West Ham as Moyes allegedly can sign rapid 24-year-old striker for £11m

Report: ‘Phenomenal’ attacker makes it clear he wants to join West Ham