Arsenal preparing opening bid for Spanish defender

Arsenal are preparing an opening bid for Benfica left-back Alejandro Grimaldo, according to Jornal de Noticias.

The Gunners currently have Kieran Tierney and Nuno Tavares as their options on the left side of the backline.

However, the latter has been tipped to leave on a season-long loan following a disappointing debut campaign.

Before his exit, Arsenal want a replacement, and JdN claim that they are readying an offer for Grimaldo.

The Spanish defender has less than 12 months left on his Benfica contract, and has no plans of penning a renewal.

Arsenal are willing to pay around €7m, and they are likely to win the race unless there is fresh club interest.

Grimaldo had a superb 2021/22 season with Benfica, registering six goals and nine assists in all competitions.

The Gunners see him as a back-up, but there is a possibility that he could play a reasonable number of games.

Tierney has suffered numerous injuries over the years, and manager Mikel Arteta could reduce his workload.