Arsenal allegedly could sign West Ham target Alex Grimaldo on a free transfer from Benfica in the summer of 2023.
That’s according to a report from Portuguese publication Record who claim that as things stand, Grimaldo will not be signing a new deal with Benfica, and could leave to join Arsenal for nothing in the summer.
The Scot desperately needs to address his left-back department at some point in the near future.
The same can be said for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta at the The Emirates as doubts persist over Kieran Tierney.
And it seems as though both London clubs could be battling it out for the same player next summer…
Arsenal and West Ham battling for Alex Grimaldo
Portuguese publication Record reckon that the Gunners are eyeing up a move to challenge West Ham for the signing of the Benfica ace on a free transfer next summer.
And given the current contrasting fortunes between Arsenal and West Ham, there will surely only be one winner in that race.
Grimaldo is an attacking left-back in every sense and has bagged 21 goals and 54 assists in 269 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 signing for either West Ham or Arsenal.
It could be argued that the Hammers actually need him more than the Gunners do.
For absolutely nothing, the Spaniard will be one of the bargains of the summer transfer window next year.
And if Arsenal secure the summer signing of Alex Grimaldo, it will very much be their gain and West Ham United’s loss.
Read also:
David Moyes names one West Ham player he wouldn’t want to defend against
Moyes’ comments on results away at ‘big 6’ will infuriate West Ham fans