Arsenal readying bid for Spanish left-back

Arsenal are prepared to make a formal offer to sign Benfica defender Alejandro Grimaldo, according to Correio da Manha.

The Gunners currently have Kieran Tierney and Nuno Tavares as the left-back options, but the latter has been tipped to leave on loan.

Prior to that, the north London club want to sign a replacement first and have identified Grimaldo as the suitable transfer option.

The 26-year-old has only 12 months remaining on his contract, but could be available for just £6.4 million this summer.

The Gunners view him as a 'safe bet' with the low asking price, and believe he could be a perfect competitor to Tierney.

Grimaldo has made nearly 250 appearances for Benfica. Over the past year, he has been brilliant in an attacking point of view.

He bagged six goals and nine assists for Benfica last term. He was equally good defensively with nearly two tackles/game.

He should be a quality signing for the Gunners. Lyon are also interested in him, but Grimaldo is likely to want to play in Europe.