Arsenal Transfers: Gunners sound out cheap left-back alternative

With Arsenal facing an uphill battle to sign Lisandro Martinez from Ajax, some reports believe the club have turned their attention to a cheaper alternative from Portugal. 

Martinez emerged as a priority target for the Gunners last month but Manchester United’s interest in the Argentine has thrown a spanner in the works. Ajax are yet to accept a bid for the defender’s services, but United are thought to have the advantage in the race due to Martinez’s connection with Erik ten Hag.

Arsenal, however, aren’t completely out of the battle with Charles Watts reporting that the door hasn’t been closed on Arsenal. Still, the chances of the club acquiring Martinez aren’t as high as they once appeared and a cheaper alternative to the Argentine has reportedly been identified.

Arsenal sound out cheaper alternative to Lisandro Martinez

Much of the allure surrounding Martinez is his capacity to perform three functions – centre-back, left-back and defensive midfield – to a very high level. However, there’s no denying that a priority area of need for the Gunners right now is left-back.

Kieran Tierney’s persistent injury woes mean he can’t be relied upon, while Nuno Tavares has attracted admirers from across Europe and Arsenal are open to the idea of loaning the Portuguese full-back out this summer.

That would open the door for one to come in, and Record (via Sport Witness) believe that player could be Tavares’ former Benfica teammate Alex Grimaldo.

While there are several clubs interested in signing Grimaldo this summer, Record report that Arsenal are paying particularly close attention to the left-back’s situation. The Spaniard has just a year left on his Benfica contract and the Portuguese giants are reportedly happy to sell him this summer.

As a result, it could cost just €7.5m to sign Grimaldo this summer. A bargain. The 26-year-old would be a brilliant backup option to Tierney at the Emirates.