Arsenal wanted to sign Benfica star before Zinchenko

Arsenal were reportedly keen on landing Benfica left-back Alejandro Grimaldo before they decided to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The Gunners were eager to bolster the left-back department during the summer transfer window. They initially looked into a deal for Lisandro Martinez.

After being unsuccessful in signing him, Grimaldo was an option, but the hierarchy eventually opted to pursue Zinchenko from Manchester City.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Grimaldo was a player under consideration, but the Gunners made the decision to land Zinchenko instead for €30 million.

The Ukrainian had a superb start to his career in north London, but he has been out of action for the past five weeks following a calf injury.

Zinchenko was back in full training with the Gunners earlier this week and he could make his comeback against Chelsea on the road tomorrow.

Arsenal need a victory to return to the top of the league standings. Manchester City leapfrogged them with a last-gasp win over Fulham.