Transfer Profile: Alex Grimaldo

Alex Grimaldo

Transfer Profile: Alex Grimaldo 

By Alec McQuarrie

Left-back still remains a position of doubt for Arsenal, despite signing Kieran Tierney in 2019 and Nuno Tavares last summer. 

Tavares has proved that, unless he develops a cool head with age, he cannot be trusted to provide solid performances in high pressure situations. 

Meanwhile Tierney, while a very dependable option, has consistently suffered injury setbacks that show no sign of abating. 

Enter stage right Alex Grimaldo, Benfica’s Spanish left-back who is reportedly subject to a £5.9 bid from Arsenal. 


Who is he? 

Born in Valencia, the 26-year-old joined his hometown’s club as a youngster before joining Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy in 2008. 

By 2011 he made his debut for Barcelona B two weeks before his 16th birthday, becoming the youngest ever player to make an appearance in the Segunda Division. 

Grimaldo would go on to make 92 appearances for the Catalans’ second team but never quite made the grade and moved to Benfica in December 2015 for €1.5 million. 

He was eased into the starting line-up in the first couple of seasons, reportedly being on Arsenal’s radar as early as 2016, and fully established himself as their first choice by the age of 21. 

Five seasons later and Grimaldo is an indispensable member of The Reds, having won three league titles and playing in five Champions League campaigns. 


What would he bring to Arsenal? 

Benfica Sporting Director Tiago Pinto posited that he was one of the best five left-backs in Europe and while there may be an element of exaggeration to his claim, there is no doubt Grimaldo is a talent. 

Despite his diminutive stature, the Spaniard is a competent defender and thrives in attacking positions. 

His composure and confidence on the ball is evidence of his footballing education at Barcelona, and he has plenty of experience in big games – taking Benfica to the quarter-finals of the Champions League last term. 

And Grimaldo, who is eligible to switch national allegiance to Portugal through his time there, is also adept in a left-midfield role where he has played frequently for the Eagles. 


Verdict: should we sign him? 

The transfer fee is incredibly tempting, with just a seven-figure sum required to prise him away from the Portuguese giants.
 
This is largely down to the fact he is entering the last year of his contract, and so would constitute a bargain for a highly talented individual. 

Whether Grimaldo could make the not inconsiderable step up to the Premier League is still up for debate, but what is certain is Arsenal would be getting exceptional value for money. 

The versatility he offers is a bonus too, while if it didn’t work out, Arsenal could be sure to make a profit on a player who is just entering the peak years of his career.

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