Arsenal are investigating the 26-year-old Spanish player

Arsenal are reportedly investigating Benfica left-back Alex Grimaldo, with Mikel Arteta looking to bolster his defense this summer.

Portuguese newspaper Record reports that the Gunners have stalked Grimaldo. They inquired with the 26-year-old defender’s intermediaries about his availability.

Alexander Grimaldo #afc are looking at and at 7m that would be a more Arsenal signing that we could make as a great affordable alternative to Hickey and Martinez, something tells me that Martinez is a big target that we are pushing harder and want to do as soon as possible. Maybe both! 🤔

Alexander Grimaldo #afc are looking at and at 7m that would be a more Arsenal signing that we could make as a great affordable alternative to Hickey and Martinez, something tells me that Martinez is a big target that we are pushing harder and want to do as soon as possible. Maybe both! 🤔🔴⚪️ https://t.co/jJSKZzX9ah

Benfica reportedly ask €7-8m for Barcelona’s former youth product. The player doesn’t have a good relationship with the Portuguese team.

The left-back has just one year left on his current deal with the Primera Liga outfit. Benfica could consider cashing in on him this summer so he doesn’t leave the Estádio da Luz for free next summer.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen to add another left-back to his side and the pair are both represented by the same agency, Wasserman.

Arsenal signed left-back Nuno Tavares from Benfica last summer, although the 22-year-old had a difficult first season at the Emirates. The Portuguese full-back has made 28 appearances for the Gunners but has been criticized for some questionable performances.

Meanwhile, first-choice left-back Kieran Tierney, 25, continues to struggle with injury problems which also plagued him last season. The Scotsman made 25 appearances last season but missed 13 games due to knee and ankle injuries.

Arsenal’s reconstruction takes shape

Arsenal have taken their time planning their transfer business but are now in the midst of negotiations for their targets.

FC Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira has already joined Mikel Arteta’s side in a £31.5m deal, signing a five-year contract.

Vieira, 22, impressed for Porto last season, scoring seven goals and creating 16 assists in 39 appearances in all competitions. He was the main assist provider in La Liga Portugal with 14 assists.

Arsenal have also signed winger Marquinhos from Sao Paulo and goalkeeper Matt Turner from New England Revolution.

The Gunners are also reportedly close to confirming Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus as their latest signing. The 25-year-old has been the main target for Arteta’s centre-forward as Alexandre Lacazette joined Olympique Lyon as a free agent.

Jesus finished last season with a record 13 goals and 12 assists in 41 appearances in all competitions.

Erling Haaland’s arrival at the Eithad Stadium has cast doubt on his place alongside Pep Guardiola. He now looks set to become an Arsenal player.

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Manchester United’s official proposal for Lisandro Martínez, better than Arsenal’s but still not good enough. The AFC is still there. 🚨🇦🇷 #MUFCMan United are also pushing to agree personal terms with Lisandro – ten Hag a key factor. Lisandro will ask Ajax to leave, as he wants PL to move. https://t.co/UDr9N9tqVW

According to the transfer expert fabrice romano, the north London club are also in the running for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez. However, competition from Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United proved difficult.

Now it looks like Arteta is considering adding a left-back to his squad and could be ready to pursue Grimaldo.

Where does Haaland rank in Paul Merson’s top 5 Premier League transfers so far? Click here