Arsenal in talks with Benfica over defender Alex Grimaldo

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Arsenal in talks with Benfica over defender Alex Grimaldo

Arsenal are in talks over a deal for Benfica full-back Alex Grimaldo having submitted a £6m bid, 90min can confirm.

The Spaniard is available for a cut price with his contract in the Portuguese capital set to expire in 12 months' time.

An attacking left-sided defender, Grimaldo has spent six years with Benfica following a move from Barcelona. However, he has reportedly been training alone during pre-season having turned down a new deal at Estadio da Luz.

Although his defensive ability has been called into question, the former Spain Under-21 international is productive going forward - contributing a combined 15 goals and assists last season.

Arsenal are on the lookout for a covering left-back for current starter Kieran Tierney - who has had his injury problems - with Nuno Tavares' future uncertain, and Grimaldo has emerged as a viable option given he could be available for a relatively low fee.

90min understands the Gunners have tested the water with a £6m bid for the 26-year-old and are now engaged in talks with the Portuguese giants over a possible transfer.

It has been reported that Grimaldo and Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta share the same agency, which could well play in the north London club's favour in negotiations. The Eagles have also been training in England as part of their pre-season preparations.

Should a deal be completed then Grimaldo would become the fifth arrival of a busy summer at the Emirates Stadium, following the captures of Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos and Matt Turner.