ARSENAL have bid £5.9million for Benfica left-back Alex Grimaldo.
The Gunners have been tracking the Spaniard, 26 – who employs the same agency as Mikel Arteta – as backup to fan favourite Kieran Tierney.
And they have made an offer after missing out on Aaron Hickey to Brentford, according to Portuguese reports.
Grimaldo has one year left on his Benfica deal and the Eagles face losing him for nothing next summer – a situation they are keen to avoid.
Lyon have also shown an interest in the former Barcelona ace.
It has also been noted that Arteta and Grimaldo share the same agency, which could end up being a decisive swing factor.
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Kante deal lined up, Tielemans top priority, Grimaldo interest intensified
Grimaldo has made 246 appearances for Benfica since switching from Barca’s B team in 2016.
He has won three league titles in Portugal, as well as a further five domestic trophies.
Arsenal have already spent £83m on four players so far this summer.
Arteta, 40, has been able to splash out on Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos and Matt Turner – and his spending isn’t set to end any time soon.
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FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
The Gunners are set to make a £30million bid for Leicester ace Youri Tielemans.
Despite seeking Champions League football, the Belgian is said to be keen on a move to the Emirates.
The Gunners are also interested in versatile Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez but have fallen behind Man United in the race for the Argentine.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk